Day by day...

5x7 Folded Card

2011-11-08T21:14:00.001-06:00

Heavenly Snowflakes Religious Christmas Card

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6 months later....

2011-09-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

and I still ask myself..."is she really mine?" Yes little Adeline turned 6 months today! Where does the time go? She has gone from a string bean to a healthy chubby baby. Though many would disagree wtih me that she's chubby...compared to what she was like she is a chubby baby!

As you will see above is a picture of Adeline at 1 week old next to a picture I took last week of her at 26 weeks old. There's bit of a difference!

I have found myself thinking about the past and our journey of becoming parents. No one could of ever convinced me the challenges there would be or that it would be a road with bumps and turns. BUT on that brisk morning in March we welcomed Adeline into our family. She is amazing and wonderful.

Her new thing is laughing at the dog. She has giggled for quite some time now but recently she found that almost anything Gabby does is funny. She thinks it's especially hilarious when Gabby is play growing while we play tug o war with her. Adeline gets very bright eyed and laughs. She also is noticing 'new' things and when she finds something 'new' that interests her those baby blue eyes get very wide and she gets this facial expression that just cracks me up.

Next week is her 6 month appointment and I'm, of course, nervous for her. I hate those darn shots they have to give her. Poor thing. But she's a champ and will do just fine. I'm excited to see where she is on the charts for heigh and weight. When she was born she was in the 8th percentile for weight and 35% for height (I think). I'm sure she has surpassed that by quite a bit.

Always a gentleman....

2011-08-29T09:10:00.001-05:00

That was my grandfather. It's almost September which means Grandpa has been gone for 3 years, already. Since those three years we welcomed Adeline into the family as the 25th great grandchild in the Brune clan. :o)

This weekend my parents came over to help me with the yard. It's been neglected to say the least this summer. As we were cleaning I noticed that my clematis had a bunch of deep purple flowers. It has taken a couple of years to really take off but this year it is looking beautiful! My dad was over where I was weeding and I showed him the plant. He then told me yet another heartwarming story about my grandfather.

Grandma and Grandpa rarely, if ever, missed church & it was this way when my dad was growing up. In the Summers, on the way back from church, Grandpa would be driving out of town and to the dirt roads. The roads were surrounded by the woods which always flourished with wild berries and wild flowers. Grandpa pulled off the road and disappeared into the woods. The kids and Grandma waited wondering what he was doing in the woods. After a few minutes he reappeared with something in his hand. As he got into the car he handed my grandmother some clematis flowers and continued driving back home. This tradition continued for some years. (I'm not sure how long and may have to ask my grandmother when I go up to Bemidji this weekend!)

And that my friends is a gentleman, my grandfather.

Grandpa and Eli at the Brune Family Reunion Sep. 2007

Thinking of you always Grandpa, Love you, miss you but know that you are in a much better place.

(9-10-08)

Bathtime!

2011-08-22T13:18:00.000-05:00

If you know me you know that I live for routine. I have to be in a certain mood to be spontaneous and is that really being spontaneous then?? I don't think so. Anyway I feel that routine for Adeline is a good thing, though I try not to be routine with everything because it's good for the kiddo to learn that change is okay. So every night Adeline gets a bath. I don't give her a total soap and scrub everynight but she seems to enjoy bathtime so much right now that if it's just a bath to get that last bit of energy out then so be it. Seems as though getting that last bit of energy out is pretty important and quite entertaining to mama.

Adeline taking a bath includes a lot of splashing, sucking on the wash cloth, knawing on the rubber ducky's bill and 'talking.' I let her do her thing as she looks up at me and gives me her best cheeky smile. Seriously, it's so adorable I can't even explain. The bath seems to calm her and she seems to look foward to it. It is so amazing that I can be walking her upstairs and she is wailing but as soon as we go into the bathroom she is all smiles. It's like she knows it's bathtime. Her time to kick and splash and have a ball. Now this is only the somewhat entertaining part.

For one reason or another I started to take her out of the bath, wrap her up and then turn her around to face the bathroom mirror to make faces. You really do have to be there but it is so hilarious. When I first started doing this with her, she would just smile, which in itself was adorable but then she started playing this sorta peek-a-boo game with the mirror. We start off by facing the mirror, she gets this toothless grin and then burrys her face in the crook of my neck. (All smiles and squeals of course). This will continue for quite sometime until I realize that I really need to get her to bed. It is moments like this that I realize just how lucky I am to have such an amazing little girl.

And that my friend is what a blessing is! :)

Happiness is.....

2011-08-12T10:39:00.002-05:00

turning the radio off while driving Adeline to daycare and listening to the music of her coo's and babbles. It just doesn't get much better than that.

August already?

2011-08-01T15:10:00.000-05:00

Where did July go???

Below is a picture of Adeline....my little Rock Star went to the farmers market for the first time this weekend.

she was all ready to go but then....she fell asleep. At first she was having a hayday looking around at all the people but then all of a sudden I looked down to find this:

Do you just love the bonnet? Because I DO!!

I guess the veggies, flowers, and crowd were just not enough to keep her entertained. She slept through the rest of our trip. O'well. After picking up lots of yummy fruits and veggies I went to go and puree them for Adeline's food....once she starts eating solids.... Guess I need to do a little more reading on First foods! I do have the carrots done but the rest of the veggies and fuit may need to wait! We're not going to start her on solids just yet but we are getting ready!! :) Can't believe show fast time flies!!!

time and commitment....

2011-07-27T10:11:00.001-05:00

I wish I had the time and commitment to sit down and blog every day as well as photograph every day. But reality is I have a full time job and when I get home all I want is my little Adeline in my arms until I put her to bed. Once she's asleep hubby and I clean up the house, and by the time we're done with that it's time for me to go to bed. Where do people get all this time to do stuff?? Jealous!!

Adeline is now 19weeks.....19weeks!?!? She blows rasberries like a pro, giggles, coos, smiles and is the center of my world. She is so sweet but you better watch out if she's hungry or if she's tired and really doesn't want to sleep. Because as a baby why woudl you want to sleep? There's too much to take in. This new world is so cool and she doesn't want to miss a thing! Therefore she doesn't nap well at daycare but we're working on it.

It's so fun to take her out and about. She just stares and tries to figure things out. I swear those little wheels are turning constantly with my little inquesitive gal. I have a feeling she's going to be one of those toddlers that is constantly asking questions. It will be refreshing!

I played in a volleyball tournament this past weekend. The weather was crazy but ended up being a nice day. Seeing some of my friends was wonderful. I hadn't seen them in a long time. While I was at the tourney G, Adeline and G's family went to the Car Craft car show. I have to admit that I am very happy that I didn't have to go to the car show. Meanwhile the tournament went until 6pm and guess what....my team won! It was very exciting especially since we only had 4 people for a 6's tournament. I was pretty uncoordinated for the first couple of games but got a handle on things once I got a few under my belt.

Mud volleyball is in a few weeks! I need to get my buttah into shape!!!!

Below is one photo from Adeline's 3month photo shoot. She did much better than the last one but she still was distracted. Here's hoping her 6 month photos go well. I can't believe those are coming up so quickly!!!!

Adeline's 3 month pictures, Taken by Lyndsey Mohrlant

3 months later.....

2011-06-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

and my little Adeline is not so little (in my eyes anyway).

She's getting bigger everyday and I already have a tote full of clothes that are too short for her. Nothing ever seems to be too big since she is a skinny lil lady.

I started back to work on June 8th and this has been my first full week back. I miss her so much but it is nice to have adult conversation. I wish I could stay home but it's just not an option at this time. So I eat up every single moment with my little girl. Her personality is starting to shine through. She's a thinker, that's for sure. She'll stare at something with her eyebrows frowned and I can just see the wheels turning in her head. I think she's just trying to figure out how things work. It's been such an amazing experience and I feel so blessed every day. Another thing... I think we may have a little gossip on our hands. ;-) She babbles on and on and on yet if strangers are around they have to talk to her in order for her to start babbling. I can listen to those coos and babbles for hours. She gets so excited and if I leave the room I can hear her trying out new sounds. Am I a proud mama...just a bit ;-)

How can you resist that face?

She has already had her first flight and first road trip. She did well on both. Her first flight was to go and visit nana and grandpa Brown. She slept on the flight there and back. I was impressed. Her road trip was up to Albany MN for my cousin's hs graduation party. She slept all the way up there as well.

That's all for now, better get back...

A quick post about our new family member

2011-03-29T11:14:00.000-05:00

Adeline Leona Brown

Born March 16, 2011
9:19 am
5lbs 14oz
20 inches long

She is almost two weeks old already. I can't believe just how fast time goes by. This time last week Greg and I were finishing getting 'ready' for our little girl. I was induced on Tuesday evening and by morning our little one arrived. Long story short induced tuesday evening, Wednesday morning they broke my water (around 8:00) and by 9:19 Adeline arrived. I was planning on doing a water birth but couldn't because when they broke my water it had meconium in it. Luckily i was able to sit in the tub between my water breaking and actually having to push. Everything went by so quickly even my doctor couldn't believe it.

I still can't believe she is mine and she is here. It's amazing.

My love....

2011-03-23T22:48:00.002-05:00

40 weeks!

2011-03-11T10:02:00.002-06:00

Wow, i still can't believe today marks 40 weeks. It's been a great pregnancy. Now let's just hope this little girl wants to show her face to the world this weekend. :)

Welcome March

2011-03-01T08:20:00.000-06:00

February was a crazy month. Every weekend was packed to the brim. Most of the time I had a baby shower for our little girl. We have been so blessed with many things that we'll need once our little girl arrives. I just can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. With all the showers, putting gifts away, writing thank you notes, and every day stuff February has flown by and it's already March. This is the first and last weekend of quiet in a long time and I"m sure G and I will end up being busy bees preparing for little Junebug.

Week from....

2011-02-17T11:09:00.002-06:00

Uff dah! Been way busy. Can't wait for tomorrow... time to relax!

Another busy weekend

2011-02-09T08:54:00.000-06:00

When I take a look at my weeks you would think I could write and write about them but it's pretty much the mundane day to day things. If I didn't work I would have so much more to say because I know I would be a project/hobby/craft FREAK! In a good way though, of course. Last Thursday was my work potluck. I'm so glad that my hubby was able to join in on the fun of being there for a shower. Boys aren't typically invited to these things and I think G enjoyed it. Anyway he did get to meet many of my co-workers which is nice. I pretty much talk about our lunch table chats at dinner every night. Putting a face to a name probably helps in out now. i do work with quite the group of characters so there is story almost every night. As for the food.... amazing. My group does not disappoint when it comes to potlucks and both G and I had a good amount of helpings. Then gifts, wow... humbled and blessed. The group got together and bought our Travel system (stroller, base and car seat) along with an extra base and a generous monetary gift. It was so kind and of course I got all teary eyed. I absolutely loved the little surprise of a Junebug personalize license plate that was made for our little girl as well. One word, adorable! The plate is a Minnesota plate that has been princess-ized! On the plate it says land of 10,000 princesses. ha! Very cute! We also received some outfits, a few gift cards and a seat protector to go under the car seat. All in all our little girl was very blessed with such nice gifts. I still had to work for a couple of hours after the shower so G went home and took a nap while I went back to my desk and basically napped as well! lol.
Saturday was our all day birth class at the hospital. It was LONG but pretty interesting. I had some questions answered which was nice. There were about 17 couples there so it was a full house for sure. Most of them were due Feb-April with a few May/June sprinkled in. I loved seeing all the bellies. It amazes me how all women just carry differently. No one was carrying multiples and all were first time parents. After the very long day of class we did get to tour the maternity wing. It's beautiful and calming and just perfect. Needless to say we were pretty exhausted after that class. We got home around 5 and had to clean up some for the baby shower on Sunday.
Sunday came and went by so quickly I wish I had a pause button to slow down the day. It was my friend baby shower. The two hostesses did an amazing job. Games were fun, decorations were cute and food was fantastic! I hadn't seen many of these ladies for a long time so it was just so nice to be able to share this event with them. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I can't say much more than I wish I could have get togethers like that every single weekend. It was nice to hangout with friends from the past and present. I had one friend show up that I haven't seen for a couple years.... so wonderful! Again, these ladies spoiled our Lil peanut. We received many wonderful gifts and definitely things that we need for this little girl.
The weekend went by quickly and it already was Monday and then that is when the week slows down. Back to mundane day to day, which is somewhat comforting but somewhat boring. This Friday is G's work shower that I will be going to. Can't wait to see all of his peeps, many of which I haven't seen since this past summer. Saturday will be yet another shower with my family.... wow.
At one point I"ll blink and we'll have a little girl in our arms....amazing.

Excitement

2011-02-03T07:53:00.000-06:00

The days have been going by quickly and I can't believe that tomorrow I will be 35 weeks along. Only about 5 more to go! WOW. I'm thinking that at some point this weekend I may need to do a little mini photo shoot. I haven't taken all that many photos...but we'll see if that really happens. lol. I need to get better at taking photos. I don't think I'll have a problem once our little peapod is here though.

Anyway excitement surrounds me today. My work is having a pot luck honoring the coming of Junebug. I am so excited and feeling so humbled and blessed. I work with wonderful people. The majority of people I work with are men and you would think that their sentiment level is low but many of them are just unbelievably kind and generous. Granted it was the ladies that I work with that thoughts of having a potluck/shower for me but the guys really get into making food which is just so darn nice! Can I concentrate at work today.... no. That's okay though. Luckily I do have a meeting at 8:30-10 and the potluck starts at 11:15 so I'm guessing it will be a pretty quick 'work' day.

The cold still has itself wrapped around us but we are not digging out from a Blizzard like many states around us which is nice. Gotta love having heat!!!

Quick post

2011-02-02T14:19:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post. It's cold out.... it's been colder but it's pretty chilly out there today. It doesn't compare to what Chicago is going through and all the other states dealing with snow but darnit it's cold! lol. I guess I don't mind all that much unless I have to get into a cold car, that's no fun. anywho, last night we went over to my friend's house for dinner. YUM! Homemade lasagna, garlic bread and yummy cake. Oh it was delightful. It's nice to have laid back evenings like that where you go out but just to another home and chill. We even were able to bring home some leftovers.. mmmmm!!! I can't say that I slept well after that though because well we ate a little later then typical and because it was so good I ate too much. After a warm bath and some maneuvering in the bed i found a comfy spot and fell asleep. Both G and I woke up in the middle of the night because I think our bodies were working their way through dinner and I had to use the rest room while G had to try and cool down. Our room gets really warm and our feather deck also keeps us warm which sometimes equals too warm! It was worth it though... delicious food and good times. Can't beat that.
Tonight.... hmm, not sure what I'm going to do tonight but I think it may involve cleaning up the basement...boo! I better just enjoy this free time while it lasts because soon there will be no time but Junebug time :)

Still looking for that energy!

2011-02-01T07:54:00.000-06:00

I still can't believe how quickly time has gone by with this pregnancy. I feel like I'm counting down to summer vacation but yet the days just slip right past me. (Except last week...that week took forever!). The nursery is complete...almost. Will it every be totally complete? lol, no. We are currently waiting for our glider and of course whatever the baby showers bring into the room is very welcomed as well. My work shower is this Thursday and I'm already feeling so blessed. I think it is so nice of them to have a shower for us. SO NICE! Then this weekend is my friend shower, which I am so excited for. I haven't seen some of these ladies for ages so it will be nice to catch up a little bit.

We had an all day snow yesterday and it was the first time this winter where I groaned about it. I love the snow and it's so beautiful but we've just had so much this year. I don't mind all that much but I do mind the unmindful drivers that think they can drive in this weather like it's the middle of the summer. No really, if you don't have 4-wheel drive or don't know how to drive your 4-wheel drive then slow down a bit. People, people..... oye. lol. My long commute to work, all of the 5minutes that it is I did end up seeing one car in the ditch. It was on the off ramp and the car was facing the wrong way! Slamming on the breaks when we get to an off ramp is not recommended in this weather.

That energy thing hasn't come back yet which makes my life pretty boring. Ha! This weekend was full of cleaning even though there were two invites to go out... I wanted nothing to do with it after cleaning all day. Call me a hermit. lol. O'well, the cleaning is complete which gives me more time to relax this week before a busy weekend. Here's hoping it's at least sunny this weekend! :)

Can't say much more for now.

Where did the energy go?

2011-01-27T08:44:00.000-06:00

I don't know where it has gone but I would really like it back please! This past week has been pretty slow and yet I don't have the energy to get things picked up. I have a huge list of things to do and yet I can't seem to get anything done in the evenings. I wish I could just take off a couple of days to get some stuff done but i will be taking off quite a bit of time come March! :) Here's hoping that I can find some energy tonight and get a few things marked off the to do list!

Needless to say last night I didn't get much of anything done. Okay so a load of laundry cleaned and folded but not put away. Ugh... lol. If I could only just drink a whole pot of caffeinated coffee I could get so much done. That's obviously not going to happen.

Enough with the pity party. We're having a heat wave today.... 30 degrees!! No seriously, that's a heat wave right now. I'm pumped. To add to the pump list... coffee with a gf tonight. So excited!!

A dragging week...

2011-01-26T07:55:00.001-06:00

I have to say that this week is absolutely dragging. I feel like it's finally Friday and yet it's only Wednesday. It hasn't been a bad week at all but just a long one. I think I am just wanting the weekends where I can sleep in and get things done around the house.

Monday night was I had the best treat.....a relaxation massage. It was AMAZING. G and I go to a Natural Care clinic and the have a massage therapist there. This was my first time going for pregnancy and it was amazing. My back has started to bother me so it was a good time to go in. The lady was very kind and sweet. She definitely found all the knots and relieved them! It was wonderful but I was a bit sore the next day. Totally worth it!!!!

Between Monday evening and last night G finished up the wall decor for the nursery. It's beautiful! He did a great job. Here are a couple of photos of the nursery.

Last night he was working on the wall with the quote. The quote, has a lot of meaning and I am so happy that we found it. It's PERFECT! I think we are pretty much finished with the wall decor. All we need is baby Junebug and we are all set.... but she can hold off for several weeks :)

After we finished up in the nursery I sat down to make a few cards. I haven't been able to just sit and make cards for a while so it was a welcomed break. While making cards I watched the Wild game... woohoo!! They did awesome but I went to bed before the game was over. I was happy to hear this morning that they won the game!

Today is already dragging which is not a good sign. I think I need to make a to do list because I"m feeling like I get home and there's so much to do and I'm so overwhelmed! A list will help. On to list making.....

It's time....

2011-01-23T22:03:00.000-06:00

I can remember it pretty clearly. Greg and I decided that we wanted to start a family. Easy, right? A journey to say the least and I know we are blessed beyond measures but it was a tough journey for us and I can only imagine what other people have gone through. Reading through my private journal I found a quote written down and it reminds me of the feelings I had...

The search for the way, to harvest the pain‘Cause all of its contagious
Knowing your head, no control of what you let go
Sometimes, it’s not what you dreamed of

I found out I was pregnant on my birthday (Sept 17th 2009) and I was of course ecstatic. Disbelief may be a more fitting term but all together just excited beyond measures. We decided to keep it quiet. I knew that miscarriages happen within the first trimester a lot. I can't say that things had gone well those weeks. I had signs of miscarriage but my doctor said everything looked good. Then, it happened, my dreams were crushed into tiny shards of glass tearing away my dreams of a child to hold. I was at work and had to go to another building to run an errand and right there at that building, it happened. I went home and later in the afternoon confirmed that I had miscarried. For those of you that have had a miscarriage you know the feelings.. guilt, pain, anger, etc. One of the hardest things to do was telling our families. They were surprised that we were even trying to get pregnant. Some great friends showed support, some tried and failed and yet others didn't know what to say so they took a quiet step out of the way. December came along and we had our trip to Europe. It was a great way to run away from 'reality' though some nights as beautiful as they are in Paris were still lonely in a way. Christmas came and went with a blur and we decided to start trying again. 2010 was going to be good to us....
It's 6 months later to the date... March 17th 2010, Happy St. Patty's day. Two lines, two heartbeats, two lives changing forever. I couldn't believe how quickly we got pregnant since we didn't start trying until the new year. New hope grows inside of me and though I don't think the hurt from the first miscarriage would ever be forgotten, I finally had something to look forward to. We had a scare soon after the confirmation of pregnancy and had an early ultra sound. But there was that little heart, beating. It was an amazing thing and I was brought to tears. We told our families when I was about 8weeks along. But only them and a couple of close friends, we didn't want to get our hopes up. April 30th I had stayed home from work because I was spotting a little bit and plus I had an appointment. As I left for my appointment, it happened, again. I knew this feeling and I knew that I had to say goodbye once again to a little helpless soul that I never got to meet. I sat in my car in the parking lot of the clinic and wept uncontrollably. I cried so hard and was so hurt that I stayed in the parking lot for about a half hour until I knew I could drive home safely. Why?, the question I asked myself over and over and over. Greg and I layed in bed that night many times in silence both not really knowing what to do or say. How do you go on? ... but you do. Deep breath, pray, and know that there was a reason. (Even though you want to say screw there being a reason for everything) Some friends took the side door once again and some were amazing. One particular couple God sent especially for us.

It's now July and I'm trying to get back to normal, reading and educating myself on pregnancy, miscarriages, etc. Greg and I go up to Bemidji to relax and celebrate Independence Day. It was lovely. A few days after we get back I took a test. It was positive...no way! I couldn't believe how quickly this happened again for us. Though we were ecstatic the fear hid comfortable around the corner. I started seeing a new doctor and as soon as I had a positive pregnancy test she wanted me to come in for some tests. She was so kind and so smart, it was comforting. She put me on a supplement and sent me on my way. At 9 weeks I had my first ultra sound and there it was, that little heartbeat going as fast as can be. Even though the blob didn't look too much like a baby I knew it was. Tears again filled up my eyes. Could this be the one? After the appointment each and every twing, or cramp lead to lots of fear. Not again.... please I can't take another let down. Three weeks go by and everything is still looking good. Another two weeks go by and there is a scare. I wanted to scream, this is not happening again. My doctor had me come in for an ultrasound to make sure everything was okay. As we walked into the ultrasound room my heart was pounding and fear was starting to take over. All I could do was pray in my head to just let go, I am not under control of this, and that's okay. I sat down on the exam table and she started the ultrasound. I couldn't believe my eyes, little feet, little hands, squirming around. Then there it was, that tiny beating heart, beating at 158 bpm. Greg and I looked at each other with a contented smile. "Everything looks great, " said the US tech. We talked with the doctor afterward and he just gave us some advice but said that everything is okay and baby is doing well. Wow....that was great! We had spoken with our pastor soon after. We tried to explain to him that we are so excited yet can't seem to show it because of the fear we have. He said it perfectly that we are cautiously optimistic. Perfect, exactly! As usual he knows the right thing to say to give us comfort. He prayed over me and little Junebug which was overwhelming, but in a good way.

I am now onto my 34th week.... and hope has overcome my spirit. Baby showers will be starting and in a blink of an eye Greg and i will have little Junebug in our arms. Though I will never understand why, it has opened my eyes and I am stronger because of my little angel babies. I don't openly talk about them though i should but I also know that people often feel uncomfortable if the topic is brought up or they say they understand when in reality, unless you have gone through it, you have no clue whatsoever. So there you go, I keep pretty quiet about it. This weekend for some reason I read over my private blog and felt the urge to let it go into this public blog. Don't know why but I am.
Our little girl, we have so many hopes and dreams for you already and each time I feel (or see) you kick I know that you will make us the proudest parents that we could ever be. And when your smiles turn into frowns and first words turn into back talk, I will remind myself that you are an amazing, one of a kind, wonderful blessing. Each and every moment with you is a gift. We are so incredibly blessed.

So there is the shortened version of our pregnancy journey. God's plan does not always match up to ours and that is okay. For the plans He has for us are amazing.

"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Helen Keller
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Changes.....

2011-01-17T20:42:00.000-06:00

....are going to happen...
have already happened,
and I think I'm ready,
as ready as I'll ever be.

Maybe you know what this is about or maybe you don't
but we all experience changes, good, bad and indifferent
they are changes, new chapters, close up the old, bring in the new
what will this chapter take with it from the previous?

ordinary moments, there are none.
what will it leave behind.... I wish I knew
but i know this much is true, it's new, it's different and
it's going to be absolutely amazing

2011-01-13T14:14:00.000-06:00

I look at the photo at the top of my blog and am reminded of my favorite place... on a lake in Bemidji. The quiet, peaceful breeze. The waves gently hitting the shore and the loons calling out are so beautiful each in it's own way. So back to reality... it's snowing. Someone on FB said that they were in a snow globe and really I feel the same way. The snow is so pretty right now, big flakes, gently falling, light breeze all make for a snow globe world. I say this now that I am not driving in it but will have to do that soon... no fun. Hopefully the roads won't be too bad.

My day was made today as my co-workers handed me an envelope that announced a baby shower....for me! Wow, that is just so darn nice!! I am super excited because it's a potluck and my co-workers really know how to cook and bake! I'm very surprised and thankful for such a wonderful group of people. I don't realize all the time just how lucky I am. I know that there are some people out there that love their job but hate the people they work with and therefore don't enjoy their job. I don't know if I could drag myself to work if I didn't like my co-workers. In my opinion your co-workers can really make or break your job, your week or even just your day. So I am blessed and thankful more than they may even know. :)

As for everything else.... the nursery is getting there. I posted pictures on my FB of the progress. I can't wait to put up wall hangings and then I'll feel that it is almost complete... it won't be until our little girl shows her face of course. :) She's been moving around lots and I LOVE that feeling. So amazing, so blessed....

2011-01-11T13:50:00.000-06:00

As quickly Christmas went by I didn't realize that January would do the same thing. i can't believe it's 1/11/11 already! Wow. It's been pretty busy. G and I have been reminded that well there's only a handful of weeks left before baby girl Brown will make her grand appearance. I think we are both excited and terrified like most first time parents. We now have a crib and dresser and the nursery is slowly coming along as well. Last night I filled the dresser with lots of clothing. This girl does not need any clothes for the first three months of her life. We were extremely blessed by her older cousin Kathyrn and Auntie for giving us so many pieces of clothing. Speaking of clothing..... this weekend I stopped at my parents house and my mom opened up a tote full of my childhood clothing! I couldn't believe all the dresses. So adorable! My mom was in the middle of washing some of them and then she'll be handing those off to me. I'm so excited to be able to put our little Junebug into the same dresses that I wore when I was a baby. I'll definitely be taking pictures :) I'm hoping to get better at this blogging deal and will actually post some comparison pictures. Comparison #1 Will she have my hair or Gregs... aka Bald (me till I was 4) or wavy thick (Greg...not fair!) Here's hoping she get's G's hair. :)

In other news it's snowing out. It seems likes it's always snowing out. I still don't mind all that much because well people we live in the midwest and it's winter. :) Heck we aren't getting plowed on like NY. That would be kinda rough. The snow is pretty fluffy and sparkles which I enjoy. Granted I don't have to do any of the shoveling or plowing either....so that could explain some of my reasoning for still enjoying the snow....

Where did Christmas go

2010-12-27T08:47:00.000-06:00

And just like that Christmas is over. The radios are back to playing normal music, the shelves of Christmas decorations are diminishing quickly in stores and today is just another day. I feel like it's still the beginning of December where the excitement of Christmas is yet to come. Yet, it's all over already.

Christmas eve went pretty well. We started our evening off at Church with some lovely Christmas tunes and then we were off to my aunt and uncles house. Christmas is pretty laid back with my family. Everyone brings an appetizer to share and we all basically just stand around in the kitchen and eat eat eat. There was lots of good food this year, as usual. The cookie table was more filled than it usually is which I found very nice.....cause I have a major sweet tooth. Once everyone has a full tummy the kiddos opened up their gifts. My nephew and my cousin's boy are the only kiddos so it went by pretty quickly.I think my nephew just likes tearing into the presents and doesn't even realize the gifts he's been given sometimes. It's entertaining to say the least. After the boys were done with their gifts and went to go play with their new toys the adults played the stealing game. Everyone brought a gift and then each person picks a number out of a hat. When your number comes up you can either pick a gift or steal someone elses, no tagbacks, and btw the game can last for 3+ hours...especially when there is "that" gift that everyone wants. It's just a continuous circle of stealing. Now doesn't that sound nice? ;-) There were some very nice gifts, many laughs and a good time had by all. Once that was over it was back to the table for more eats. People started to leave after that or sat around chatting about this that and the other. G and I took off pretty late and got to bed around midnight. We woke up pretty early and then the phone rang. I knew exactly who it was.... my nephew. "when are you coming over?" "it's time to open presents" so we brewed up some coffee, put on some sweat pants and off to my parents we went for Christmas morning. G had made a bfast bake which was so good!! Once again Eli started to rip through the gifts and before he knew it he opened all of his gifts. We got him to take turns here and there but he was just so excited at certain points that he would just open them up. We all received some wonderful gifts and the time spent together is always priceless. The rest of the day was pretty laid back again, which was wonderful. G and I went home to shower, nap and then go back to my parents for early dinner....YUM-O!! As for Sunday G and I took back a few gifts to exchange for other things we needed. Then the cleaning started. I don't know when the tree is coming down and the decorations but picking up the paper remnants and boxes did start. G and I also exchanged a couple of gifts and will do the rest later this week. We always do our own mini Christmas just the two of us and this year will be the last year! G got me a beautiful ring...love love love it!
As for this week..... yet another busy one. I wish I had the vacation time to take off and just things done at home but I don't so I'll have the majority of my day at work and then try to scramble to get things done, run errands, have our mini Christmas, etc etc.... lol.
Not sure who reads my posts but I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!!

Almost there...

2010-12-22T08:03:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's already the Wednesday before Christmas. Where did the time go? I think, let me reiterate, I THINK i'm done with shopping. I do get off of work early today so I may stop at a store and browse but if I'm remembering correctly I have all my gifts bought. I only have a few to wrap so I feel like I'm sorta ahead of the game, not really but a little bit!

I should probably update baby progress. As of today I am in my 29th week (28weeks 5 days) and have 11 weeks, 2 days remaining in my pregnancy. I had my glucose test and passed....btw the drink isn't all that horrible. It's just uber sweet, I can deal with that. I crave sweets more than ever which doesn't surprise me. I miss sleeping on my back more than ever. Our little Junebug kicks away routinely. Greg's eyes light up everytime he feels or see's her kick which makes me tear up. Oh and yea, I cry at EVERYTHING! It's quite funny actually. I wonder what Christmas will be like.... I can see it now...."oh these socks are just *sniffle* beautiful! *sniffle* lol. Anywho, we are done registering for showers that we may have. I haven't heard too much lately about dates of showers from my family but I know that's because of the Holidays. I'm guessing that January will be a busy month because once January is over then I only have FEB and boom....it'll be March! Wow... The nursery is coming along pretty well. G and I need to pick out a dresser soon because I have lots of clothing to go into those drawers. :o) Thank you pass-me-downs! :)

Christmas Week! (LONG blog....)

2010-12-20T11:10:00.001-06:00

Greg's family was in town and left Tuesday. We celebrated Christmas as well as Kathryn's baptism. It sure was a busy week but we also ended up snowed in on Saturday. I didn't mind one bit...the snow was amazing. I couldn't believe the wind and the constant snow falling and falling and falling. It just wouldn't stop! It sure was pretty and with all the wind the snow made some pretty neat designs as it blew around on the ground. I snapped a few pictures that I'll have to try and see about uploading if I remember.

Needless to say I was pretty exhausted with all of the cooking, shopping, eating, and all other activities going on. On Tuesday evening G and I did absolutely did nothing. I was going to clean up a bit but the energy tank was at 'E' so we just snuggled on the couch with Gabby and enjoyed some quiet time with the TV. The rest of the week went by quickly yet slow at the same time. I cleaned up the house and brought down the next round of gifts to set under the tree. I had a few more presents to wrap and had to edit my 'still need to do' list. This included a few more gifts to buy and of course working on the nursery.

Friday I had my glucose test....passed! So blessed that I don't have the diabetes. After my doctor's appointment I went out to Caribou and chilled there for a bit. Its always fun (in my opinion) to take in the life of a coffee shop. There are so many different people coming and going. Some stay to have a meeting, catch up, bible study, or just to sit and get away from the commotion of life. I had my lovely Mint Condition in hand and enjoyed their chicken sausage bfast sammie. So delicious! After Caribou I decided to try and get the rest of my shopping done and I have to say that I did pretty well. Last weekend was the "Snownami" so many people didn't get to do any shopping. I failed to think of that. As I entered the parking lot full of cars I took a deep breath and pumped myself up for another black Friday like shopping episode. Store #1, it wasn't all that bad. The lines were quite short and that amount of people in the store was bearable. I had to laugh that the majority of the population in these stores were women. Granted that national Christmas shopping day for men tends to be Dec 23/24....no offense guys! I was in and out of Store #1 withing a half hour. The second store was pure chaos. Thankfully I knew exactly what I needed to buy. I was going to look around and window shop but the chaos was too much so I ended up out of that store within 10 minutes! Store #3 and last store for the day. The place wasn't too packed but the lines were a bit sluggish in moving. I didn't find everything that I was looking for but o'well. So my shopping was pretty successful for that day!

This weekend was busy busy. G had to work on Friday so I wrapped a couple of more presents. Caught up on laundry and actually had a pretty quiet day. Okay somewhat quiet. My dad came over and remodeled the nursery closet. It's so amazing. I LOVE IT! So even though I haven't washed any clothes for our little girl I hung up a bunch of clothing....mostly dresses just to see what it's going to be like to have a little girl closet. :) It was fun. I can't wait to fill up the closet with all sorts of things. My LOVE when it comes to baby clothes is crochets hats, headbands, and diaper covers. I have maybe two headbands and have been constantly looking on Etsy but haven't purchased any quite yet. I really should get going on that. My girl may not be a shoe girl but she'll be a hat and hair accessory girl! :) Needless to say I had fun working on her closet. I'm thinking that with in the next couple of weeks we'll start hanging up stuff on the walls and finishing off the room....so exciting!

G got home late on Saturday so we just chilled and had a quiet dinner. Sunday we went out to a few stores. I had to take some things back as well. The day was busy once again and got lots of things done. G put up the linen closet shelving unit so I filled that up as much as possible. It's a type A's dream right now, but I'm sure it will get disorganized as time goes on. For now... it's lovely!

Right Here...

2010-12-09T07:35:00.000-06:00

I feel your kicks and I’ve heard your heartbeat…all of this coming from my abdomen. Yet, it feels like you are in another dimension. I can’t always grasp that you are literally a few inches from the real world where a stork will deliver you to our doorsteps in March. But, you stay safely in my stomach hearing sounds, feeling the rocking of my walking, knowing that I am yours and you are mine. We have a bond that no one else can ever claim because you and I are as one right now. A bond between mother and baby. It’s just such a miracle that has been so distant for me and now it’s here. So, I’m having a hard time grasping my mind around this whole new journey. It’s hard to believe that in only a few months you will be out of the safety of my tummy and in the safety of my and your daddy’s arms. It’s simply amazing and so hard to comprehend at the same time. God is good and amazing and wonderful. Our journey with you has been pretty easy so far and for that I am thankful. As we continue to work on the nursery I can see you playing in the corner and hearing your giggles. Those days are soon to come and will go by quicker than ever. But today you stay warm and cozy in my abdomen, kicking away until you hear your daddy's voice. As he speaks to you, your kicks stop and I feel as though you are listening to him, memorizing his tone, his gentle yet strong voice. A voice that will comfort you when you scratch your knee, hum you to sleep or even when the time comes explain to you why boys are just so .... dumb, sometimes. :) I love when he talks to you because I know that you hear him. And those nights when you seem to be kicking more than usual and I put on some comforting music on while placing headphones on my tummy, your kicking stops and I feel you turn. You amaze me and I don't even know your features but this much I do know. I know that you are mine and daddy's forever and our journey together will be filled with more than you can ever imagine.... and this I am thankful for. God bless you my little Junebug. I am so excited to meet you in March.

Family time!!

2010-12-08T13:48:00.000-06:00

The time has come and tonight starts the Christmas celebration... well not technically tonight but actually Friday. Anyway what I'm trying to say is that my inlaws are in town. Let the party begin!!! Tonight we are going to MOA for a bit, picking up the rest of the family at the airport and then off to my FAVORITE restaurant, Qcumbers! It's a wonderful Salad bar. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. For the rest of the evening, I'm unsure but I just can't wait. I am especially excited to see my little niece, born in August. Woohoo! Life is good. Greg and I have been blessed this year with so many lessons, jobs, a wonderful dog, family and friends. Our cup overflow...

Cookies, and cleaning and registering.... oh my!!

2010-12-07T14:39:00.000-06:00

I took a personal day on Friday since #1 I need to use them before the end of the year and #2 because I had lots to do before this coming Wednesday. When I take off a workday to work at home I have to say that I am very productive (and humble about it... ). Friday morning came and Greg left for work around 5:45am. I wasn't feeling well so I stayed in bed until 7:00. Once I was up I had this kick of energy that came with NO caffeine. Most of the house is visitor ready except for the bedroom. Our bedroom was a mess and I have been avoiding it for quite some time. But I decided to go for it with all my might. Within an hour the room looked pretty darn good. The hurricane Brown had been cleaned up and it was time to get some laundry started. After the laundry was started it was time to prepare some Betty Crocker time. :) I got out all of my recipes, ingredients and utensils needed. Within a couple hours I had baked Chocolate chip holiday cookies, chew ginger snaps, chocolate chip ginger snaps, PB blossoms, and Hershey surprises. I was pretty impressed. The ginger snaps needed a little extra attention but got them figured out with the help of google! :) Greg had a half day on Friday so he was home by early afternoon which was nice.

The rest of the weekend was pretty packed full with preparing for our early Christmas. With that we had snow...loved it!! The weekend involved organizing (nesting) and planning (nesting) and cleaning (nesting). Pretty much everything I do lately my hubby calls it nesting...which I believe because it's a constant go go go.

We did fit in registering as well Sunday evening. There was a lot of research done before we entered the store. We joined consumer reports online and found lots of good info, read review after review and falling upon a website made for tall parents to be.... heaven! I registered online so we didn't have to waste any time at the desk listening to the lady explain what we need to do. Off we went.... registering, easy, right? NOT! lol. It wasn't hard but there are just so many things that you can register for. I had to laugh at some of the things that you really don't need to register for yet it was on the "must have " list that the store gave us. Is a baby wipe warmer a "must have"....no, but it might be nice to have but it's not a must. Geesh...lol. The biggest thing we wanted to try out was the stroller to make sure we weren't going to end up with bruised shins and sore backs from bending over. Luckily we found exactly what we were looking for! :) After 2-3 hours of registering, blood shot eyes, and no longer happy spirited faces, we left. We got about 3/4 of the way done but the rest will be done online. lol. Good times, just too much for one evening. Needless to say the other store that we are registering at will be done 3/4 online.

Tomorrow...the inlaws come in to town! I'm so excited to celebrate Christmas twice and once with my new little niece Kathryn! I can't wait to see her. The last time I saw her she was only 1 week old! She better get used to the camera cause Auntie K is going to be flashing away!!!!

Christmas time is here!

2010-12-02T10:25:00.000-06:00

There is so much going on right now I can't even keep things straight. BUT, this is a good thing. It means that I mailed our Christmas cards on Monday, had all the Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving, the tree up by the weekend after Thanksgiving, a good list of cookies to make along with all ingredients bought (except hershey kisses) and a long 'to do' list before Wednesday. I do have Friday off which I am looking forward to. I can't wait to get up early and start on my list. So maybe I sometimes over do things but Friday is going to be baking cookies day which means tons of Christmas music coming from my kitchen and all around fun. (Though i am absolutely pumped for the day that I can share baking Christmas cookies day with my daughter). Other things on the list for Friday is cleaning up paper...boo and cleaning up the clutter in the living room and dining room. Currently there are shipping boxes and wrapping paper as well as a few extra Christmas decorations that I couldn't figure out where to put that are laying around. Just love the holidays... the decorations, the baking, it's just so wonderful.

As of Friday I will have 14 weeks left in this pregnancy! I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It's hard to believe actually. As I had mentioned this to Greg it had really hit him. I've been telling him and he's been keeping track of how far along I am (26weeks) but putting it into a different perspective as to how much time i have left in this pregnancy threw him for a bit of a loop. With that being said we are probably going to register this weekend. (another thing to add to the 'todo' list). I am excited and overwhelmed at the same time. G signed us up for consumer reports a few weeks ago so we could review baby gear. I've been doing a little here and there but with this new realization I've been hitting the inter webs hard looking for reviews on car seats, slings, high chairs, etc. I found a great website with all of my searching that has helped immensely. It's called Tall Baby Stuff and it's for those tall parents. Who knows if our baby will be tall (crossing my fingers she will be) but we won't know that for awhile. So my goal was to find a highly reviewed good travel system AND it also be Tall friendly. I did!!!!! For those that are tall and have the frustrations of the world being too short, when you find something that fits all criteria you want to do a happy dance. And a happy dance I did. Another happy dance moment was that the system doesn't cost $500! So my day was made with that. Now I'm on to looking at all the other baby gear. There's just so much this little pea pod needs. It's crazy. But with the help of at least two showers that I know about, we'll have a good start on all the baby gear, clothing, stuff stuff stuff! lol.

Well, that's all for now, back to researching baby gear....uff dah!

Thanksgiving weekend!

2010-11-29T12:59:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving weekend seems so far away now. It's crazy that I actually had a four day weekend. i don't even remember everything that went on. But I do remember Thanksgiving. Walking into my aunt's home on Thanksgiving bombards me with memories. The one thing that i miss about Thanksgiving mornings is waking up to a Turkey cooking. Even though my family would go over to my aunt's house for Thanksgiving, my parents would still cook a turkey. OH the smell, lovely! Back to this year... two of us are pregnant and it's really fun. It's like a new chapter has started in this family's book. We are only a few weeks apart so we were able to chat about what we are experiencing, cravings, pains, but not names. :) Neither of us are sharing names. I like it that way. Meal time was filled with laughter, the good ol days talks and a few pokes to each other. There is still a 'kids' table which makes me laugh since the youngest 'kid' is in their early 20s. BUT there are two grand kids with two more on the way. Guess we'll have to make a 'younger kids' table in the upcoming years. After dinner chats always make me laugh. The parents tend to talk about 'mother' (our grandma, bless her heart, always missing her). There was a little chat about going to the meat market and buying meat for the week.... simple but something that sticks in their mind. It was a good Thanksgiving and I am so very excited for next year's which will probably be filled with baby passing, goo goo babble, and laughter that I haven't heard for a while that babies tend to bring on.
After thanksgiving G and I stopped over at my parents house to give our nephew his bday presents. He is turning four and if you look away for one second he's gone in a flash. He is go go go and almost nothing can keep his attention. BUT he does crack me up with his 'one liners'
Friday G had to work and I went to one store and easily got what i needed and was out in no time. It was great! I'm sure it won't be as easy in the upcoming years but this year has been pretty easy for gifts. Later in the day I did go shopping with my mom to show her boots I need/want. Then Friday afternoon the tree went up along with the ornaments. I love to look at ornaments and talk about where they came from and the memories behind them. I am looking forward to the day when I can tell my kids about this ornament or that ornament. :)
Saturday was my nephews bday party. It was at a bowling ally which didn't keep my nephews attention very long...surprise surprise. He did have a great time running around though. G and I found the arcade (much like a chuckie cheese) and had a good time in there with my mom. My nephew joined us and had a blast in the arcade as well. So much to do in such a little room. lol. I had to laugh at my mom since she even got suckered in to playing deal or no deal. She saw that G one a large amount of tickets and well, she wanted to do the same so she did and she won big as well. Saturday night was we cleaned and cleaned. And then suddenly it was already Sunday. Sunday I was pretty pooped out but cleaned and organized a couple of rooms. I've realized that I really need to make a drop off at the donation center because I have SO much stuff to get rid of.
Anyway, in a little over a week my in laws will be in town for an early Christmas. I'm so excited. It will be nice to have the whole family here to celebrate Christmas. Now if I can keep the house clean till next week I will be a happy camper. If I could have a 24/7 maid just for the kitchen my life would be pretty complete....lol. That darn kitchen just gets so messy so quickly, I wonder how my mom keeps hers so clean all the time. Some day I'll find out her secret....someday. :)

Brr...

2010-11-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

Nothing new to report but it is darn cold out. I wonder how cold it will be on Thanksgiving and even black Friday. those poor souls that decide to sit outside overnight just for a good deal...uff! anyway I am happy to say that I am about 70% done with my Christmas cards! Woohoo!! Here's hoping I can reach my goal of sending them out the week after Thanksgiving.

Weekend...

2010-11-22T13:03:00.000-06:00

Wow, busy busy weekend over here in the chilly weather. (Speaking of "Chilly" I hear he was fired, probably a good thing).

Friday, right after work I went to pick up paint for the nursery. I had two samples that G and I liked but the one was a little too blue and the other was a little too yellow. Mission - find something perfectly in between the two. So I went to the paint store and looked around forever. I was a little irked since I was the only person in the store with four people working and no one came over to help me. I was walking all around the store trying to look at the samples in different 'lighting" and finally came up with a decent color. When I went up to the register, a little frazzled, the lady asked if I found what I was looking for. I asked for her opinion and low and behold she got out some color books and found the 'perfect' color in 5 minutes. Uff, that would of been a lot easier if I could of gotten help right away but whatever. Friday evening G and I taped up the nursery and put down drop cloths. Before that we had to pick up the drop cloths and a few extra painting supplies. So it was a busy night of running around.

We both woke up pretty early had a nice bfast, ran to Costco to get our grocery shopping finished and then started to paint our daughters room. :) It turned out wonderful, I LOVE it! G did all of the edging which is usually a pain but we found a real handy tool at Home Depot that worked like a charm. So as he started to clean up, and I was about 10 minutes behind him finishing up as well. We got all of that done and brewed another pot of coffee, and I started on the Christmas decorations. First decision, blue/silver or red/green? This year we are going with the traditional red/green theme. So I tried to be organized and put all of the blue/silver stuff into one box and packed that away for another year. You would think that having 7 boxes of Christmas stuff is a lot but I really felt that it wasn't . By the late afternoon I finally had our home looking like a Christmas home. Next weekend will be the cherry on top by adding the tree but this weekend was all about the details. It turned out nice and I'm pretty happy with it. I do have to make one stop at Michael's to add some finishing touches but other than that G just needs to help me put away the empty boxes and I am good to go!

Sunday we self in a little and once again enjoyed a nice breakfast. After that we cleaned up and took our annual family photo. It took some time since I don't have a tripod, have a stubborn old dog and the lightning was not on my side. But lo and behold we figured it out. It only took about 10 pictures! G and I then watched football for a little bit and I worked on the Christmas cards as well as updated the address book. Sunday afternoon went by pretty fast. I did get the last touch ups done in the nursery and took off all the tape and whatnot. Now it's just time to start putting the rest of it together...this may take a little time. :)

It was quite a busy shut in weekend. The roads were so icy that I"m glad that I had so much to do at home and didn't have to leave the house. Ah winter...

Lesson learned....

2010-11-19T09:33:00.001-06:00

It's Friday and the week before Thanksgiving....already!! I can't believe how fast Thanksgiving has come and then all of a sudden it will be Christmas. Amazing...

Yesterday after work I had to go and pick up our CSA fruit share. It's coming to the end of the season so I wasn't expecting too much. On my way there I picked up the dog since she loves car rides. So off we went to pick up the fruit. We got lots of apples, pears and some cranberries, and dates. (def not as much as we're used to getting but understandable at the same time. Anyway, on the way home I noticed a very bad thing starting to happen in the back seat. Of course I was driving in an area where there was no where to pull over. Finally I am able to turn into a parking lot but it's too late. Gabby (my dog) got sick in the back and threw up. :( Poor girl. Luckily I was able to get her out of the car for the second showing. lol. Poor thing, I think she got car sick which has happened two or three other times. Lesson #1 learned... always have a roll of paper towels in the car. I had nothing but a microfiber cloth that i use to clean the windows with. So I cleaned up as much as I could, put Gabby in the front seat and drove right over to my mom's house to pick up the deep cleaner. When I got home I cleaned up the mess real quick and was good to go. Ah the excitement... can't wait for my little one to arrive.... then the real excitement and "lessons learned" will start!

I have many good things planned for this weekend. Lets see what I can get accomplished! One thing I really want to figure out is my camera. I took a class back in HS and have always enjoyed taking photos but never really got in to the technicalities of it all. Since we will be welcoming in a new little pea pod in March I Want to be ready to go with the camera. My biggest problem is no flash photography. I have such a hard time with it. So i did ask for a tripod for Christmas which I know will help some. But how do you capture those quick smirks, pouts and funny faces without a flash?? That's my problem. So Gabby will be my subject, since she doesn't stand still either and I'm going to practice practice practice. Maybe I need better lighting in the house. That could def be a problem. Well, we'll see how it goes. Other than that it's time to decorate and organize....maybe even paint the nursery!! :)

Today marks the 24 weeks along in pregnancy! Wow... I can't believe it's already been 24 weeks. So blessed!

Brrr...

2010-11-18T08:52:00.000-06:00

This morning has been very chilly but I'm happy to say that I still fit into my coat so I didn't freeze going to work.

I had my 24 (6mo) appointment yesterday. It was pretty well and was short and sweet. I guess I'm a little behind on my weight gain but the doc. isn't too worried about it. But of course it worried me. I feel like I'm always eating but apparently somehow it's getting burned up. I may have another ultrasound after my next appointment to check the growth but she wants to see how things go the next couple of weeks. So anyway i told G all of this so he said let's go out to eat.....which we did. lol. We went to Bonfire (yum!). After dinner we stopped at a furniture store called P.M. Gallery. It's is such a neat store. I love it! Everything there is made either in WI or MN and many are made from Amish. Needless to say G and i were pretty stoked since we do like to try and support our local communities. Anyway, all of the furniture was beautiful, solid wood, and many had secret compartments. We fell in love with a mirror that had a TV behind it. (Must start saving up for that). It was also decided that when we do finally move we need a bedroom that is big enough for their bedroom sets. So, we walked out of there pretty happy and excited to one day hopefully buy some of their beautiful furniture.
When we got home G got all the Christmas boxes out for me. Wow.... I sort of have a lot of Christmas decorations. I went through the boxes and made mental notes of what to put out and what to save for next year. The big debate for me is blue/silver theme or red/green theme. I have decorations for both. I have more for the red/green but I'm still undecided on it. This weekend G and I will have to decide because I am going to try and put up the decorations but not the tree. Thee tree goes up Thanksgiving weekend.
That was my evening. Love love love Christmas decorations!
As for today, I am tired and chilly. I have my teeccino but I'd rather be in bed. :)

Bump, Kick, Spike

2010-11-16T08:48:00.000-06:00

It happened last night. G had a conversion so he was downstairs most of the evening making sure everything went along smoothly for work. We at our salads for dinner downstairs and relaxed for a bit until he really had to get going with work. As we were sitting there I started working on getting some photos printed. As I'm streaming through pictures of last year's Christmas in Europe I feel those little kicks from our little girl. As I rub my belly the kicks are feeling strong. Then, all of a sudden I felt the kick on my hand! I quickly told G to put his hand on my belly and within a minute he felt his little girl kick. It was amazing to say the least. At some point I will probably take those kicks for granted but I really hope I don't. The look on G's face was priceless. It was this shock and amazed look. He finally was able to feel his daughter. I got pretty teary about the whole ordeal but everything makes me teary these days. I love that her kicks are getting stronger every day now. Words had left me and we just sat there in silence. He felt her kick a couple of more times and I saw some content in his eyes. It was just so simple yet so amazing at the same time. Yes, every woman that has gone through pregnancy has felt those kicks. For me it has just become more real every day as those little kicks that say "hi mommy I'm here" that I'm going to really be a mom.

Just a lil vent

2010-11-16T08:41:00.000-06:00

I'm expecting a baby girl in March 2011. I have lost two because of miscarriage. Am I a little excited to be pregnant.... just a little. I wish people would be more sensitive about what they say or post regarding pregnancy, becoming a parent, etc. I know what it's like to want something so bad and have the slightest grasp on it, only for it to be taken away so quickly like it never happened. I understand that everyone has their journey and I'm not trying to have a pity party here. I feel so blessed to be carrying this baby and I know there are so many couples out there that will never have the chance that I have. I feel very lucky and blessed and don't take any pain, kick, or test for granted. That all being said, I'm really tired of some complaining that has been going on because this said person is pregnant and not even past her due date. I understand that at some point nothing fits, limbs are swollen, you feel like a moose, and you just want to hold that baby in your arms. But please understand that there are so many women that would take your place in a heartbeat to feel those pains, and have those swollen feet because they know that in the end, after 9 months (or so ) you have this miracle in your arms that looks at you like no one ever has. It's a gift, a blessing and all those pains and sleepless nights are worth it. So stop your moaning about being pregnant. Thank you. That's all for now!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2010-11-15T13:51:00.000-06:00

We had our first snow storm of the season this year. It was beautiful but did cause some problems for some people around the metro area. I heard it was coming but you never know if the weatherman is right or wrong. So when I woke up to a bright room at such an early hour I knew that once I threw open the windows that yes indeed it would be snowing. And snow, wow, did it ever snow. The hubby and I were making breakfast and suddendly our power went out...boo!! Luckily for us we have a gas range so we were still able to make breakfast and enjoyed it by the light of the windows. Soon enough our electricity was restored and I was back to cleaning. My inlaws are coming in for an early Christmas and I'm hosting. This means I get to decorate early!! Woohoo!!! I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas decorations but not this year. So needless to say I had to clean before getting into the fun of Christmas decorating. Saturday was all about the main floor. I got everything to a point where I could decorate now. Next on my list was a project that I wanted to finish sooner rather than later. I"m not sure if this will be a Christmas gift or a just because gift but its something I wanted to finish because it's time consuming. Anyway I finished it Sunday and I am so excited to give this to my friend.
Greg and I also took a trip to a furniture store to take a look at a few things. #1 headboard/foot, #2 TV lift and #3Changing table/dresser for the nursery. We didn't have much luck but it was still fun to look. We then took off to the mall and bought a few Christmas gifts. Yeah us!
Sunday was then filled with a little more cleaning, football watching and comfort food eatin. It was a nice weekend and I am so ready for the Christmas season!

Merry Christmas!

2010-11-08T10:40:00.000-06:00

As I said to myself slow down cowboy!! G put up the lights last weekend and this weekend I finished the last part. Now I am itching to get out all the decorations but know that I really have to wait. Plus there is so much to do around the house before decorating it but putting up Christmas stuff is just so much fun. But the cold can stay away as long as possible :)

This weekend I slept and slept and slept. I cam down with a cold and it hit me pretty hard on Thursday. Saturday morning I felt pretty darn good but by noon I felt like crud again. So needless to say I wanted to rest as much as possible so I would be better by Monday. no such luck, i'm still pretty sick. I can't/won't take any medicine since I"m pregnant. I don't think it's a good idea. So i'm trying to take it easy, drink lots of fluids and get my vitamins.

That's all for now.

Pumpkins

2010-10-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

It's almost Halloween and I love seeing every one's pictures of their little ones in their costumes. It's just too cute!
My to do list for this weekend starts off with an UltraSound where I pray my little girl cooperates so we can see her front side. She was playing shy at the first US and only showed us her backside. From there let the weekend begin. Not sure if G and I are set on what we are dressing up as.....heck we're not even sure what parties we are going to! lol. We'll figure it out. Besides the parties we are going to try and get some things done in the house, we'll see how that goes. Every weekend has been crammed and we have gotten quite a bit done in the house. I would really love to get that nursery finished up though, of course. Wait that means we need to choose colors, and theme...oh boy! :) I don't think MN Wild would be a great theme for a girl but well, who knows...she could end up being a huge hockey fan/star.

This past week was full of coffee dates, time with the hubby and lots of thinking. A good friend will be getting married in early spring 2011 and i just love hearing about all her plans and progress with the plans. I loved planning my wedding. It would of been almost perfect if our budget was well... 'no budget' ....back to reality where creativity makes a wedding all the more special. Sounds like she's making her invites which I LOVE. I think homemade invites are a lot of work but so worth the time. Along with the wedding comes her shower and bach. party. I'm very excited about the plans for this as well. I'll be helping the MOH with those plans and am just so excited for all the parties!
I didn't make it to vball this week. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until it was too late to go and watch. It's okay though. I'll just go next week to watch my peeps play. They are doing quite well. I should really try and take some pictures of them... that would be fun. I'm sure everyone around me would think I'm a big loser for taking pictures at a rec league vball game but o'well.
Well the days have become short and I mean really short. I wasn't ready for that but its okay. Once I get used to it I'll get much more done in the house and maybe even start being a little more creative with the holidays coming up.
Almost time for the weekend!!

Calling for a chance of ....

2010-10-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

Snow! Wow, it's already that time. Last night the rain didn't really stop and the wind started to blow. Yet, it wasn't all that cold out. Today I hear that later on we may get snow. Where, may I ask, did the summer go?? Amazing how fast time flies. It's been such a challenging year in so many ways and here it is already the end of October. Amazing.
Can't say I've been getting great sleep at night. I seem to nap better than I sleep which is odd but whatever. My little peapods has her days when she's really active and other days where I think she just takes it easy and works on her swallowing skills. Apparently that is something she has recently learned. It's pretty neat knowing so much of what is going on in that tummy of mine. I go in again on Wednesday for another US. AT my 20 week ultrasound she wouldn't turn so they couldn't get all of the measurments. So we're hoping that she'll face the camera and smile nicely this time around.
G and I have been working in the house, room by room, trying to get things more organized and get rid of junk. This past weekend we worked on the laundry area. He put up some shelves that we really needed up in the area for storage.
This weekend.... hmmm

It's a ....

2010-10-20T12:25:00.000-05:00

GIRL!

Pink or blue?

2010-10-18T12:45:00.000-05:00

So G and I are going to find out today (possibly) if we are having a boy or a girl. Excited doesn't even describe the feelings I have. I know, we're possibly "ruining" the surprise but it's still a surprise. Plus this way my kiddo doesn't have to wear yellow and green for the first three months of their life. :o) If we are blessed again with another pregnancy we will wait but for now we are finding out. This weekend Junebug (our nickname for the baby) was pretty active. I just can't wait for G to feel those kicks. I still don't get why people call them "butterflies" because to me it doesn't feel like butterflies at all. Feel more like pushing or well, for lack of better works, kicking.
Anyway that's all for now, a short and sweet blog.

Her sparkling eyes

2010-10-15T07:21:00.001-05:00

I can't remember your voice
But I yearn to hear you call my name
That October sky dimmed a little
And our faces all did the same

Your unconditional love inspires me
To this day I remember your eyes
And though your voice was silent
Memories in my heart forever rise

Grandma, I love you dearly to this day
And know you are watching from above
Loving unconditionally with those eyes
Singing like an angel about your life and love
~KB 10/15/10

October 10th 2006.... My grandmother passed away. It seems like last year. She lived in silence from a stroke that stole her voice many years previous. Yet her spirit was always there. I can remember her eyes and how she would try to talk to you through them. I can't remember her voice and wish I could for just a night... dream about it. And today I remember her strong spirit, her love, and life. Love you as always Grandma and missing you.

The bump!

2010-10-14T11:13:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's getting bigger by the second. I really thought that being tall meant that I wouldn't show for a long time. I was so wrong on this. My bump is prominent, if you ask me. And the belly band is only going to work for a little longer to keep those pre-prego pants up. I wore this maternity shirt to work and lots commented about how much I am showing already. Of course I got very self conscious about this but know that i should just enjoy it. Problem is I can't fit many of my shirt already... too short! aaahhhh!!! But luckily I have a good start on maternity shirts that I bought for an AWESOME deal at Kohls a while back, knowing that at some point I would need them. So the bump is there and I know I need... should... post pictures. I'll get to that, not too comfortable on my new look in pictures yet but once i'm used to it there will be pictures. Following this bump is small movements, finally! I was worried, of course, hearing some ladies talk about how they felt movement at 15 weeks or earlier and I am almost 20 weeks and haven't felt much. So I think I'm feeling some movements which is grand at least I hope they are movements.

Next Monday is our ultra sound and I am so pumped for it! We decided that we will be finding out the sex of the baby. G did a pool on FB that said "just say a Yes or No...tell you why later" We had more 'yes' and that's how it was decided. :) Now that I think about it I'm not up for having all this yellow and green stuff anyway and would rather get gender specific items. SO there you go! Can't wait to see my little Junbug on the screen :)

Cravings?

2010-10-11T08:17:00.000-05:00

One of the popular questions I get asked now that I'm pregnant is what cravings am I having. I can't say it's been the same thing but there are times that I get some kind of food in my head and I just want it. A couple of weeks ago my in laws were in town. And somehow popcorn from a specific restaurant came into my head. We didn't go out to that restaurant while my in laws were in town but after they left I would say that the thought turned into a craving. I couldn't believe it. So this past Friday G and I went out for dinner at this restaurant and I had a bowl of their popcorn. Funny thing is I ordered my usual, a Taco Salad and I didn't even like the flavor....darn taste buds. But we did bring some of the popcorn home and I enjoyed more of it that evening while we watched a movie. Needless to say the popcorn craving has vanished! :)

I've noticed so many changes with this pregnancy. Not only is my body obviously changing, but I'm changing, and watch out when I take a ride on the emotional roller coaster. lol. It hasn't been too bad but mostly just sobbing at commercials or for no particular reason.

Other things :
I Miss..... Sleeping on my stomach, a summer shandy after a hard week at work, running and volleyball.
Current Craving..... Orange Juice
What I don't miss... The heartburn I seem to get so easily
New things.... a bassinet and possibly a crib this week!

Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be.
-- Carrie Fisher

And....

2010-09-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

we're expecting! Yes, finally! Someday i will get up the encouragment to post "our story" but just wanted to get the news off my back. I know not many people read the blog and those that do probably already saw my post on FB but anyway we are pregnant!

I am due March 11 which means I could have the baby on G's bday...ha! I also could have the baby on St. Patty's day if I go late. Guess we'll have to wait and see. Everything is going well and I'm even starting to feel the little peapod kick. I wasn't sure at first that it was kicking but i'm now pretty sure since i've been reading discussion boards and babycenter.com. (a great site).

One question before I start getting ready for bed..... Do clothing stores not realize that tall women get pregnant? I'm starting to look at pants and am having no luck, well unless I want to spend $80 on a pair of pants, no thanks. Any suggestions???

Scatterbrain

2010-09-22T08:42:00.000-05:00

There are plenty of things I should be doing right now including working on a map that is almost finished, meetings for 2011, an international visitor, etc etc. Yet my mind is scattered. I have way too many things on my mind and find that I forget them if I actually relax, go figure. So out comes one of my favorite things in the whole wide world.... lined post-it notes to make a list! Yea, nerd I am. I swear if you take a look in my purse you will find old mini lists but this list calls for a large post-it pad.

Speaking of scatterbrain... I had my birthday weekend last weekend. It was a busy weekend to say the least but there was most definitely something missing. Maybe I'm just sad about getting older....this is my last year in the 20s... AHHH scary clown. Friday Greg and I went out to dinner. It was okay, we tried a new restaurant but found that we probably should of stayed at our old restaurant. Saturday G and I, my nephew and sis in law, parents, and second parents went to one of my favorite restaurants for my bday. It was lovely as usual. My nephew said something very cute but I'll have to talk about that later. We then went to my parents for bday cake. My mom made an amazing homemade chocolate cake...YUM! Sunday G and I took my parents out for their 40th anniversary! The food was pretty good at that restaurant as well. Needless to say I'm real tired of going out to eat. That didn't stop G and I from going out on Monday. We went out to dinner before heading to my first Twins game! It was pretty darn fun. I can only imagine what those fancy shamcy seats are like but I was very happy with ours. They won which was a bonus as well.

And now the week is dragging. I'm hoping today goes by quickly but who knows. Tomorrow there is 100% chance of rain....would be a great day to take off of work and get some things checked off my to do list. But I don't have much vacation time left in the year so I should probably save that for now.

Now that all of that is off my brain I should probably try and be productive. Uff dah!

Grandpa

2010-09-13T07:54:00.000-05:00

Can't believe the time that has passed. Can't believe you are watching all of us from above. Grandpa you left such a great impact on so many people and are missed each and everyday. Missed you at the Reunion this weekend. They will just never be the same without you. Thinking of you today. I can't believe it's been two years already (well two years and 3 days). Always in my heart you will stay Grandpa, love you!

2010-07-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

It's been a quiet week for the most part. The house is pretty clean already so I haven't had to go crazy cleaning. We have guests arriving tomorrow! I'm pretty darn excited. My sister in law and FIL are visiting for a few days. So there will be more to write once they have been here. We have plans, as usual and i'm pretty exctied to get out an about! Guess that's all for now. I am in a slump lately...writers block sucks. Owell, today is a beautiful day and I get to go on a little field trip during work which will be great!

July 14th

2010-07-14T08:32:00.002-05:00

....it's already July 14th!? Where has this summer gone. The state fair is at our finger tips and I haven't even gotten a good base tan yet! kidding, kidding... but really time does fly.

Writers block seriously just hit me... guess I'll write later....

Bemidji...

2010-07-09T07:26:00.008-05:00

Oh how do I love thee...let me count the ways.

Fourth of July weekend Greg and I decided to venture on up to Bemidji. I don't know why I don't go there more often. It's probably the 4 hour drive but I really wish I made it up there more often. Every summer my family would head up there for a summer week full of swimming, fishing, and time with my grandparents. Time that I cherish more now that I am older. My grandfather passed away not too long ago but my grandmother still lives up in Bemidji....

Anyway G and I stayed at the cabin. We arrived Thursday evening. The silence was almost uncomfortable for us since we're both so used to the darn city noise. I love it though. The chirps from the frogs, a song from a loon on the nearby lake, or just the wind through the trees....the melody of the woods is breathtaking.

The week consisted of, well... relaxing, fishing, a trip to Itasca State Park, soaking in the sun and the sunsets. I LOVE the sunsets on the lake. Peaceful and contentment seem to surround me when I'm there. We even had a wonderful Thunderstorm one evening. We stood on the dock and just watched the lightning show, it was amazing.

G and I had some good luck on the lake. We caught perch, bluegill, sunny's, rock bass, and one northern that got away.

On the fourth we took Grandma into town with us for the Bemidji Parade. It was ... okay. It's a voting year so instead of floats there was politicians. Instead of temp. tattoos for the kids there was political candidate stickers. I wasn't impressed nor was G or my grandma. O'well, there were a few high points which included the beginning of the parade where Veterans held the flag and marched. It literally brought me to tears. You could just see the pride in those gentlemen. Their eyes on the flag knowing that they did there service for every one of us there.

The week went by so fast. Too fast, of course. That's what happens when you are on a vacation that you love to be on. The time flies, and I didn't get to spend enough time doing this or that but I am appreciative of the time I did spend with my Grandma. She sat with us one evening and told us about the resort, how when Grandpa proposed that she said no at first, and her knitting. I love those stories and really wish I could video tape her telling these stories. I could write a book! :)

Saying our goodbyes I as well as Grandma became a little overwhelmed. But it's okay, she's such a strong women and I hope to have the love that she does some day. Until next time...... which will hopefully be this fall!

.....

2010-06-30T14:36:00.001-05:00

Yes I will admit it here, I'm going to go and see Eclipse. Right after work I'm hurring my buttay over to the theater to meet my friend and off we go! Oh boy! lol

Rain Rain Rain

2010-06-29T09:48:00.002-05:00

All weekend it rained. Okay I take that back it rained in the evenings on Friday and Saturday. I actually kinda enjoyed it. Greg and I were on our way to our FIRST EVER Saints game. We figured it was going to be delayed so we prepared for that. As we sat in our car outside of the field it started to downpour. It was actually coming down in buckets. After a while it lightening up so we went to the stadium to find some grub to eat. As we found something to eat we also then found a place to stand and eat under some shelter. We would of sat in our seats but just like the new TCF stadium it is open. Don't get me started on how ridiculous the thought of an open air stadium in Minnesota is...in my opinion, of course! :) Anyways...needless to say the game was cancelled. Instead of going home we ventured down the road a couple of miles to Izzy's ice cream. This is one of the best ice cream parlors, but they are many here in good ol MN. As we drove there the rain poured down and there was even a little hail. Forward on!! As we waited at the stoplight the streets were flooded and the water was up about a 1/4 of the way on the tires on some cars. BUT we made it to Izz's and that's all that matters, folks. We enjoyed our ice cream and then headed back home. The rain had tapered off some so it was an easy drive home. We should of watched Twister or something more storm themed but we ended up watching Law Abiding Citizen... it was pretty okay.

Saturday we had a wedding to go to at the James J. Hill Library. It was beautiful. The ceremony as well as the recption was at the library. My friend from HS was getting married and we had just recently reconnected. It was so nice of her to invite Greg and I to their wedding. Anyway the wedding was beautiful as well as the bride. They center pieces were flowers on some tables and then others were stacks of books. It was a very cute idea. Her and her hunny had gone to Borders and bought some various conversation started type of books or coffee table books. I thought it was a great idea. Food was great and the cupcakes were amazing (a little dry but still amazing) Of course it started to down pour again but luckily everything was held inside.

Other parts of the weekend included laundry and yard work.....so very exciting. :)

BUSY!

2010-06-24T14:28:00.003-05:00

It wouldn't be summer if I didn't have something going on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It's a love/hate relationship. Sure I'd rather just lay in the sun every day or sit on a lake fishing for hours but there are parties to go to, weddings to attend and of course family to see. This weekend starts off with a baseball game, then wedding. So it's not too bad. i think we'll have Sunday to relax but knowing me I'll have a list of things that I need to finish up on Sunday, this includes cutting the jungle that I call my front lawn. With all the rain that we've had the grass has been too wet to cut. Unlike my neighbors who are almost all retired I am unable to cut the grass during the week. Anyway, home projects are slowing down which is nice. Greg and I have moved my hobby stuff downstairs so now I can paint the extra bedroom. I'm hopeful that we'll start a family someday soon but for now I'm just repainting it to make it a little more friendly and less dramatic...It's currently red! I love it and all but if we are going to try and sell this house or even paint it for a nursery someday it's better to get that red off the walls as soon as possible.

On to next weekend...BEMIDJI, my most favorite-est est est place. I can't wait to just sit on the dock and watch the glass like water. I love it up there. I pray that the weather cooperates and that we can go out on the lake lots. We'll see. If not that's okay because its still Bemidji which means it's peaceful and tranquil (just like my grandparents old resort)

Stephanie Plum MOVIE!

2010-06-12T19:28:00.003-05:00

Not sure if anyone reads the Stephanie Plum series but if you don't you should. I haven't been able to totally catch up on the reading. I think I am maybe 5 books behind but thats not the point. There is a movie coming out! Woohoo!!! I think I'm going to have to read 'One for the Money' again just to refresh my memory but I am just pumped that a movie is coming out. I'm surprised at the casting but know it will all work out. So my job now is to catch up (find the last 5 books) and re read book 1. Seriously though, to my few few readers, please give this book series a chance. Its .... everything you could want in a book especially comedy! In a nutshell, suspense, comedy and romance. I'll give you a little hint: Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter that has a way of getting into the biggest pickles ever, BUT a couple of men are always there for her. Goal tonight, find book number one.....sadly I think I took it to half price books so I may need to buy it again, owell :)

Summer Time

2010-06-09T08:13:00.003-05:00

The summer showers hit yesterday. All day is rained and rained and rained. Can't say anyone's mood was all that great at work, nor was mine any help. O'well. We did need the rain and now everything is looking beautiful. With summer come lots of motivation to get things done, start projects and continue to work on my flower garden. My summer plans are as follows:

* Run run run, I'm back to running again and would like to do at least one 5k or 10k...heck maybe even a half marathon (oooooahhhhhhh, scary...)

* Finish up a scrapbook that I'm making as a gift.

* Bemidji in July, my favorite place!!

* Complete my crafting area

*Take more pictures and maybe even take a class since I cannot figure out my evening photos!

*STOP STRESSING (ha yea, right, but I can make it a goal right?)

*Save up for my memorial tattoo & get inked again....it's been 10 years since my first tat. (if your wondering, just ask, it's going to be beautiful!!)

Well those are a few things. I always have a constant 'to do' aka goal list going on in my life. My current one is three pages long written on bright bold pink lined paper. I have lots items marked complete yet the list keeps getting longer and longer. O'well, that's life!

It's your love

2010-05-28T06:54:00.005-05:00

5 years ago I was finishing up a morning run with my friend Dixie. It was a beautiful morning, maybe a little chilly. It started a small tradition. Running with each other (and Mary too) on your wedding day. After the run I went back and showered. From there started my wedding day. It rained a bit that morning, but as you've heard it before, that's good luck! It was around 9am when the hair appointments started. It was so fun to just hang with the girls. My hairdresser was a doll! Sonja, my hero, had my dress in her SUV all laid out and picked me up to go to the church. It's funny the details that you remember and the ones you forget. I remember being in the dressing room and having a fun time with the girls. Some of them were painting their nails, some were just chatting. Sonja and Katie, my PAs, were amazing. They just knew everything that needed attention or helped whenever someone needed help. I remember meeting Greg for the first time before the wedding in the small chapel. The girls were peaking in, i think. Otherwise we were on our own (well we had the photographers). Greg teared up and I was beyond joyful. After pictures were finished up the wedding started. Walking down the aisle to Cannon in D has always been my dream, and it came true! I walked down that aisle smiling ear to ear. I kept telling my dad to slow down a bit cause I'm sure he wasn't a fan of everyone looking at us. Walking towards Greg who teared up a little again (as well as our pastor) just seemed unreal. The day had finally arrived. The piano and violin played in the background and then the ceremony started. That quickly it ended. I could go on and on about the pictures that my cousin took for us a Irvine park, and how we wanted to ride in my uncles old car but it wasn't running so we had to be driven off in my cousin's car, or how our first dance was It's Your Love by my favorite country artist, Tim McGraw... or how my single guy friends brought in liquor even though we had open bar for a long long time, maybe even how a couple of my girls from track that I coached dropped by the wedding to say congrats, or even how the party just didn't want to end....there are so many memories of that day. I just can't believe it's really been 5 years! The evening ended and we drove home in a decorated jeep. We thought about going to a store just so we could walk around in a wedding dress and tux but we went home. My first night in our home. Waiting for us was a little gift basket with champagne from Greg's family. It was a very nice gesture. By the next morning it was all over. My aunt hosted a lovely gift opening for us. We brought Gabby our dog, who had surgery on the day of our wedding. (I didn't know about the surgery until it was over and she was in recovery!) The rest of that week I moved into our house and by Friday we were leaving for the Bahamas!!

5 years ago...

2010-05-26T07:40:00.003-05:00

Greg and I were preparing for our rehearsal dinner. Greg was probably waking up at his place and I was waking up at mine. (oooahhhhh yea, we didn't live together until we were married, rare, I know). Anyway we had decided to take it easy that day. We had our rehearsal at Jehovah Lutheran church late afternoon. It went very well. Pastor Ben was and is always an amazing guy. The rehearsal was pretty short and sweet. At one point Thomas told me a story that I should concentrate on while walking down the aisle. It went something like: Aisle, think of the word aisle and how you are walking down the aisle and are surrounded by the ones you love, you see the Alter, the alter symbolizes God and the love He has for you...etc etc, then you see your soon to be husband, Him. He has a twinkling tear in his eye as you walk near him. Both of you knowing that you were meant for each other. So while you walk down the aisle you say to yourself "Aisle Altar Him" .... (say it out loud, get it?) lol. It was an adorable story that made me laugh, much like Thomas always did.

After the church rehearsal we were off to Sgt Peppers for the rehearsal dinner. It was amazing! The food was great and the wait staff was wonderful! We had so much food!!! Greg's family was able to bring in their own dessert so they had picked up some cakes from Sam's club. They also brought in beautiful roses from Sam's that decorated the tables. It was very pretty! There was supposed to be some games outside but it was raining so o'well. The type A in me handed out little schedules for everyone involved in the wedding. Just to let them know the 'schedule' of the day, pictures, and whatnot. We ended up taking home a lot of food. Somehow they let us do this because of all the leftovers. It was very kind of them.

I can't remember much else from that evening. We had a Thursday rehearsal so Friday was cleared for relaxing and last minute stuff.

Just amazes me that it has already been 5 whole years. Wow!

Glitter in the air....

2010-05-25T07:01:00.002-05:00

that song truely gets me every time. I don't listen to the radio too much because of online radios like grooveshark where you can choose your songs to be played. BUT I'm sure that song is over played. I love it. It puts me into this deep thought about love, lost, and everything in between. (The song is playing right now.)

Anyway, this Friday will mark my 5th wedding anniversary to Greg. I can't believe it's already been five years! We're not going all out this year because our Europe trip was basically our gift to one another. That trip was amazing! So we are going to go out to dinner and probably take it easy. So many things have been going on already this year that it will be nice to sit back and talk about the past. We only dated for seven months before we got engaged. Crazy, I know. So we could probably talk about each and every date we went on. It was an interesting dating life. He was in ST. Paul and I was in RF. It's not that far away but being that we both were busy it made for some quick dates and long chats on the phone. Awe, memories...

Thoughts....

2010-05-24T19:32:00.001-05:00

and wants and needs... and positive thinking? There's just so much on my mind right now.

Projects...

2010-05-21T06:54:00.002-05:00

are never ending.

Last weekend the hubby and I completed the veggie garden. Wait, we still have to buy some strawberry plants but other than that we are done. The flower garden is about 80% done. So I'm feeling pretty good about that. But then there's the interior of the house....uff. It's a never ending battle. We are finally getting rid of an old dining room table today. (TG for craigslist) but other than that there are so many 'little' projects that go unfinished. And now they are adding up. Luckily I'm having company soon and having family come in SO it gives me some motivation to get these little projects done. This reminds me that I need to print some photos and buy some frameless frames (maybe at Michael's or JOanns?). It's funny how I sit at work and have all this motivation to get things done but once my feet touch the front steps of my house "poof" the motivation is gone. O'well, right? It will get done. :)

Sunshine on my window

2010-05-18T10:47:00.003-05:00

...makes me happy like I should be!

This weather is the best. Last night, after cleaning up the spare bedroom, I sat outside. I put my feet up on the lounger chair, my Gabbers joined me, and with a wine glass in my hand I relaxed. It was so nice. The only thing better would of been if my view were of a lake. My backyard's view isn't the greatest but the grass is bright green and the flowers are bright and cheery. I don't do that very often. Typically i can't talk myself into sitting down and taking a deep breath of life. But last night I did it. My to do list wasn't finished but I told myself, you've just gotta take a minute for yourself and relax! Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. I think my favorite part of it all was when Gabby climbed up onto my lab and nestled in for a little cat nap (for a dog!). She's so funny that way. She may be a big dog but she sure thinks she can fit into anyone lap. Anywho, after relaxing for a bit I got up and tending to the flowers. I have some lilac this year and even though it's pretty small it smell so wonderful. To finish up my evening I watched my favorite show.... Big Bang Theory. Love it! Bazinga!! :) Well back to reality as I sit in my cubicle wishing for sunlight... lol

Farmers Market

2010-05-08T17:49:00.002-05:00

It's one of those places that so many people with similar thoughts come together. I just love the feeling of the farmers market. I especially love and appreciate the St. paul farmers market. I was told that this particular farmers market has strict rules. #1 being that the food that is produced must be within a certain radius. Many farmers markets allow food to be brought in from 100 of miles away. To me a farmers market is all about keeping this local.

Anyway, we took my nephew with us today. He's a little over 3years old and is hilarious. We took him because there was a paint a pot for your mom event going on. We weren't sure if my nephew would be interested in painting but he actually really enjoyed it! After painting the flower pot the ladies planted a small flower in the pot. It ended up being so cute. Once we were finished up with that project we took him around the market itself. It was a little chilly out and there wasn't too many veggies around but there were an abundance of potted flowers. I did take my camera along so I actually took some fun pictures. My nephew was being a good sport letting me snap various pictures of him. All in all it was a great time.

Tonight...bonfire and meeting my bff new man! I'm so excited :)

Windows

2010-05-07T07:58:00.002-05:00

You've heard the saying that when one door closes a window is opened...or something close to that? I really believe it. We've had some not so happy situations lately and then yesterady I got a phone call informing me that I had won a one a night stay at a hotel up north. Now, don't get me wrong this wasn't a big window but just a little one. One that gets Greg and I out of the house and away for a couple of days to let go of stress. I don't know when we'll go but I'm pretty excited. Granted the other prize for this drawing was a new dryer and I would of preferred that because our dryer is set to one setting and that is hot. So basically I have to air dry most of our clothes. We can't afford a new dryer right now so a dryer would of been awesome. BUT that's not me complaining because I am very excited to go up north. I love northern MN. It's so peaceful. Anyway, a huge door closed on us and a little window opened and that gives me a little hope. Things are going to turn around, I pray.

Someday...

2010-03-25T06:59:00.002-05:00

...I'll learn to update more often. I remember journaling in college and how looking back at that ragged little book has brought back so many memories.

The weather is starting to hold on to spring. I love it. I am seeing that my flowers are starting to bud and can't wait for that first flower to burst into the sunlight. The grass is slowly turning green. This reminds me that I should probably rake the dead grasss soon. This also means that it's almost time for planting some veggies!

Greg and I went to take a look at the flooding Mississippi yesterday. We had gone there on Sunday as well. Yesterday it peaked, or so the news says. It was pretty high but not as high as it was a couple of years ago. We haven't made it down to Stillwater but I'm assuming they are having quite the flooding currently.

And today I hope for warmer weather than they are calling for and an unexpected sprinkle of joy somewhere! :)

Spring?

2010-03-02T06:47:00.002-06:00

Could it truly be showing it's face? Sure makes everyone's mood so much better.

Anyway, I"m failing on this whole keeping up with blogging. I actually have three blogs but only this one is public so that's my excuse. It's a poor one at that. Today is looking to be a nice day just like yesterday. I am craving spring!!!! Here's hoping for some 40 degree weather!

Thought for the day.... Live like your dying because you never know when that goodbye could be your last. Don't hold grudges and always forgive before you are forgiven. Love more than they deserve because you just never know what someone is going through. Pay it foward, until you have done this or had someone pay it forward to you, you don't know how grateful you feel in either shoes. Take the time to listen to what someone is trying to tell you, there may be more than you think.

Europe!

2010-01-18T07:19:00.002-06:00

Greg and I were in Europe for Christmas this year. It was a much needed vacation away from reality. Here is the "photoblog" that I tried to keep up. I'll try and continue to update this as much as possible. There are so many pictures of marble buildings that I need to comment on.

The site is called No Ordinary Moments <-- Click me. (if there are problems getting to the site let me know)

All in all the trip was a trip of a lifetime, a place to heal, and of course see way too much in so few days. We needed a vacation from this vacation.

I don't think there are too many people that read this but I did find out there were some...so enjoy!! :)

A time to Remember....

2009-12-04T08:15:00.003-06:00

My best friend's father died yesterday. It's been a surrealy time and I"m very sad. He was like a second father to me. Warren was always a child at heart, he would start waterfights with us (Dixie, Mary and I) in the middle of any given Saturday. He was an amazing father and man of God. His faith was strong and it showed through in so many ways. He will be deeply missed but his soul will live on in many lives that he touched.

Warren, I'll never forget your laugh, the waterfights, and tourting Dixie with Dwight Yokum music. You will be missed but you'll live on through us all. Thank you for being a part of my life.

There has been a lot of sadness lately and today when I got into work I heard this song which gave me comfort

Creed : Don't Stop Dancing

At times life is wicked and I just can't see the light
A silver lining sometimes isn't enough
To make some wrongs seem right
Whatever life bringsI've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I'm hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly
Away...Away
At times life's unfair and you know it's plain to see
Hey God I know I'm just a dot in this world
Have you forgotten about me?
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I'm hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly..Away...AWAY...
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and forget the sorrows
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and forget the sorrows!
But I know I must go on
Although I'm hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly
Away... Away...
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly
Away... Away...
Am I hiding in the shadows?
are we hiding in the shadows?

New Goal of Will Power

2009-11-25T10:20:00.003-06:00

Yep that's what I need the most...will power.

I haven't been able to/allowed workout for two weeks and I feel it today. I finally was cleared to work out and worked out last night and wow am I ever out of shape. So here I go before the whole holiday season ....I'm going to get some will power and loose some weight.

Goals:
SHORT TERM

1. 5am workout (instead of after work workout)
2. Walk the dog (she needs to be healthier too!)
3. Get rid of refined sugars in my diet
4. Crave healthy food
5. Plan meals
6. Go to the doctor to get my heel fixed.
7. Get back to running ( I actually miss it SO much)
8. Blog daily - and a gratitude entry as well (staying on the positive)

LONG TERM

1. Stay on the road...with workout and good food.
2. Loose 30 lbs... yes this is still healthy for me.
3. Run that marathon!!!
3. Be accountable to myself

I figure if I blog about it well then I am accountable for it. There has to be a lot of changes to the morning routine in order for me to get to working out at 5am. This includes Greg driving to the park n ride, accepting that I won't get into work by 6am and aim for 7am, preparing lunch evening before and getting my buttay out of bed! I need to do this. I have always been concious of my eating and working out but because of some things recently I have let myself go some. I have gained 20-30lbs and am sick of it. I feel so much better when I kick my butt and eat healthy. So dangit I'm doing it.

Heels....

2009-10-15T07:37:00.002-05:00

Can't say too much is going on. My heel is taking a week off of volleyball. It just kills me not to play. I'm glad it's been a busy week though; otherwise it would be going so slow because of no volleyball. I've also stopped running which really bums me out. I love running.... never thought I would say that but seriously it's such a nice mind clearing exercise. Just me and the road. :) I've been working on the elliptical with a personal TV which makes the time go by pretty fast. Other than that I'll probably start walking the lake with Greg once the weather is nicer. I don't really like to just walk but Gabby needs it and she can't run (she's too old) so guess you gotta do what you gotta do. Nothing else to really say. Hoping for a nice weekend. Greg's sister is in town and we have some outdoor plans... so the weather better cooperate.

Snow....

2009-10-13T09:03:00.001-05:00

in October is no fun. I'm NOT ready for this. BOO!!

Minnesota Sports

2009-10-07T07:12:00.004-05:00

There's not much to say but that the pride in Minnesota is flying high right now. With the Vikings taking a big win, the Twins holding on and advancing to playoffs, as well as the Wild taking the Duck's into overtime to take the home opener win...... little can be said but WOW!!! I'm exhausted, proud, and excited for the upcoming games for all three sports. Here's hoping and cheering on those Twins as they take on those darn Yankee. They can do it! As for the Vikings and the Wild there's a lot of season to go and I'm hopeful that it will be a good season for both teams.

Fall is here

2009-10-05T07:12:00.001-05:00

Fall is here but sure would be nice to have some sunshine. The past few days have been so gloomy!!! This weekend was filled to the brim with Oktober Fest party, a wedding and outdoor vball playoffs. I'm proud to say that my team took first in playoffs. It's been fun but I'm pretty much done with outdoor for now....bring on indoor! Indoor started last week and it's been a nice change. Anywho... leaves are changing and i'm really hoping to get out to an orchard soon with the hubby so we can get some apples and of course a few pumpkins! Where did the summer go!?!?

Warren

2009-09-30T09:15:00.002-05:00

My best friend's father has been diagnosed with Lekuemia. How sad. He finally retired to be able to spend time with his Grandson (now grandsons). Life is precious. I pray that everything goes well and that he stays strong. He is an amazing man of God and very involved with his church. I know he must have a huge prayer circle supporting him which is great.

It's Official!!!

2009-09-24T07:03:00.000-05:00

Our flight is booked and the timeshare will be ready...

We are going to Europe for Christmas!!!!

Here's our very rough draft itinerary:

Arrive in Amsterdam on the 13th
Stay there for the day and then off to Paris for 4 days
Then go to Italy (where our timeshare is) for 5 days
Take off to Rome to hopefully get tickets for the midnight Mass at the Vatican (even though we are not Catholic we still really really want to experience this)
Stay in Rome until the 26th and head back to Amsterdam and back home.

Obviously we don't have all the details worked out but we're getting there!!! :)

Friday - Labor Day weekend

2009-09-04T10:15:00.002-05:00

This weekend:

Today:
Leave work early
Go out for lunch with Greg and Peri
Acupuncture (first time!... nervous and excited!)
MOA
Chill

Saturday:
Ren Fest

Sunday:
MN State Fair... mmm Sweet Martha Cookies!!!

Monday:
???? Holiday.. maybe relax??

It's almost been a year....

2009-09-02T20:41:00.000-05:00

I still miss him so much.

State Fair Days!

2009-08-31T07:38:00.002-05:00

Well it's that time of year... Summer is coming to a close and the State Fair is in high gear. Greg and I went on Friday. I took a half day at work and we spent the rest of the day at the fair. I have to say that I love the fair and I'm not even big on the food part... * gasp * I just love the atmosphere. People running from food stand to food stand or trying to win the biggest animal they can for their child, there's just something about that atmosphere that just makes you forget the big world out there. I think we made it around the fair three or four times. We didn't play any of the games but enjoyed watching people try to win. We did enjoy some of the food, but not much. Greg's favorite fair food is the scotch egg .. which was the first place we went to since he was having that as his "breakfast." Funny this is, out of the 100,000+ people there we ran into my aunt, cousin, and my cousin's little boy. I couldn't believe it. It was nice to see my cousin since she was in from Chicago and wouldn't of been able to see her otherwise. After that Greg and i got a couple more food items and enjoy the atmosphere some more. We finally ended our day at the best booth at the fair (in my opinion)... sweet Martha's cookies. Yep, it's a tradition. We go get a bucket, well actually I go and get a bucket because we found that for some reason my bucket gets more filled. :) So I get a bucket and then we proceed to the all you can drink Milk stand. We find a place to sit and eat until we are ready to go and pass out on the bus, which is exactly what we did. It was a successful fair visit and we are looking forward to our next round this coming weekend! :)

Quotes....

2009-08-27T13:29:00.002-05:00

Everything that happens happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so. -Marcus Antoninus

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." -unknown

If your happiness depends on what somebody else does, I guess you do have a problem. -- Richard Bach, "Illusions"

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit. Peter Ustinov

Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it." - Confucius

Renaissance Festival Weekend

2009-08-24T14:51:00.002-05:00

Greg and I went to the first day of Ren Fest. We spent the past couple of weeks digging through thrift stores and antique stores trying to make our own outfits... which was a success. Anywho, I'll post a picture soon but I do have to say it was a good time. Greg and I matched which was nice and we were actually dressed unlike some people that thought there was a need .... oh never mind.... basically there was a lot of skin and some muffin tops that I could of lived without seeing. Greg and I went to the Feast of Fantasy... it was fantastic! Food was fantastic, the acts were amazing and well it was simply a really good time! :)

Mud Volleyball Weekend

2009-08-17T08:54:00.003-05:00

Oh what a great weekend it was. I look forward to this weekend every year (for the past 4 years) and this year was so much fun!!! We had nice weather, good memoires, and a championship trophy!

Julie & Julia

2009-08-07T08:17:00.004-05:00

A movie based on blogging... adorable.. add a historic respected woman and you have yourself a movie!!

Greg and I saw an early showing of Julie & Julia. I would highly reccommend it. It is just a very sweet movie. If you haven't heard about this movie, it is a based on two seperate lives in two seperate times but are connected in so many ways. I don't know what the critics are saying but I typically can't stand and disagree with what the critics say. Anyway, what I am saying is go see the movie! I'm not going to go and try to bone a duck but I sure was amazed at what they all cooked on the movie. Butter butter and more butter! lol

Monday....

2009-08-03T07:35:00.003-05:00

It's Monday and it's muggy....but in reality I would rather it be that way then chilly. I have a coffee in hand and am ready to face the world, well, eh... my co-workers.

I'm sad that the summer is going by so quickly. It seems the older you get the faster life goes by. All the more to enjoy every single moment. I don't feel like I really did anything this summer yet I think August is typically my busiest month.

Here's hoping for a good and productive day!

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.Benjamin Franklin

People pleasers.....

2009-07-29T12:34:00.001-05:00

People don't define you, you define yourself. They may be part of you and have been for a long long time but you are still who you are because of the choices you have made along the way.

It's funny how much you can learn from one conversation......

....

2009-07-27T07:33:00.002-05:00

Spiteful words can hurt your feelings but silence breaks your heart.

I don't understand and don't know what I did...allI know is one thing.....

Fall weather in July?

2009-07-17T09:15:00.002-05:00

This just isn't what one would expect in July. Sure is nice sleeping weather though....

Contentment

2009-06-29T07:01:00.001-05:00

....my thoughts get in the way.....

I have to say I sure am excited for a short week. Welcome summer...welcome Fourth of JULY!!!

Weekend in a nutshell

2009-06-01T13:56:00.002-05:00

Every day I get a quote and today's was pretty simple yet deep.. I liked it :

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns.

I am thankful that thorns have roses."

– Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

Another great weekend has come and gone. I got to hang out with the girls on both Friday and Saturday. It was a good ol time. We didn't do much which to me was perfect. Spending money is way overrated! :) Saturday morning Greg and I went to the Farmers market, then worked on the yard, I made a pie and then hung out with the girls. We watched New In Town...so FUNNY! Saturday I cleaned and then went out to dinner with the girls. After that we watched Bride Wars ... too cute and funny. Sunday was a cleaning day for me. I'm starting to get ready for the in-laws to come in... as well as spring cleaning. I had a double header too for vball. We won both games which was great. It rained on us but owell it was still pretty darn fun.

2009-05-13T06:53:00.004-05:00

Last night I watched the Biggest Loser finale and probably cried for about 75% of the show. It amazes me the transformations that people have taken. I think I need to watch that show everyday for inspiration. I truly wish I had a trainer like Jillian. Being an athlete throughout elementary, junior high, high school and college I get motivated by the pushing, the intensity and getting yelled at. I don't know what it is about her but if I could have her as my trainer I think I would be pretty darn successful. She's so amazing, not to put Bob down cause he is amazing too. I just hope that this show does what it is meant to do and that is to motivate/inspire America. Just like is was said last night this show doesn't just make fat people skinny... there's much more to it! Anywho, it's time for me to get back into it. I've been dealing with a bruised heel and knee issues. Greg and I have decided to go back to the local community center for our workouts. Back to the weights I go.... no more just running! PLUS I will be getting a new bike this weekend which gives me another option for a good workout!

May already!

2009-05-11T07:47:00.006-05:00

We're almost in the middle of May and summer is rushing in. i guess you really can't tell to much with this weather but it's getting there. I think I'm going to try a new way of updating today. So here we go:

Greg: Greg is doing well. He is still contract at RBC but we are hopeful that he will either go full-time this summer/fall or he'll find another full-time job. We all know how tough it is to actually find a job right now so we are just happy that he has a job that pays the bills! :) When he's not working he's been fixing computers for some of our friends as well as starting a garden. Greg and I are trying a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) as a way to get our veggies. We joined Harmony Valley in Viroqua WI. It is an organic farm with veggies, meat, coffee, fruit, and cheese offered. We are only doing the veggies because it is not cheap but well worth it. Which gets me to my other point of Greg planting a veggie garden. We're not sure what to expect for veggies but we know our favorites and want to have them on hand. Greg planted this small garden in order for us to save some money and hopefully be good at it too!! :) It's pretty fun to see the plants starting to sprout. Other than that he keeps pretty busy with life itself!

Gabby: I know, I know... she's just a dog but she's our little kid too. She's 9 years old now but you wouldn't be able to tell with her energy level. She's getting very gray and shows her age with how much sleeping she does. But let me tell you when she's awake and wants to play you would think we have a puppy on our hands. Two weeks ago a bunch of us did the Walk for Animals which I was not able to take Gabby. It's sad but when we got her she already had some bad habits with other dogs. We have worked on it and she's better than she used to be but we figured she would give herself a heart attack if she went to this walk. There were over 8,000 people which she would of loved and I have no idea of many pets were there but that would of given her quite the heart palpitations.... lol. Either way I walked in honor of her since we did adopt her from the Humane Society. It was a beautiful day and saying it was fun doesn't get it justice.

Me: Well I'm working full-time and have been full-time now for a little over a year. Once again I say that Greg and I are blessed to both have jobs that can pay the bills. Work is pretty busy and I look forward to 3:00 every day. Don't get me wrong I like my job but let's be honest... it's a job. Other than work I have been catching up slowly but surely with my scrapbooking. It's amazing how many pictures I have from just 2008. I'm hoping by the end of 2009 I have the 2008 pictures all scrapbooked. The indoor vball season has come to an end which is sad but the outdoor season has started up. I currently only play on Sundays which is sometimes a pain but it's pretty worth it. My running has taken a fall with a bruised heel. It's very annoying but I'm hoping to get back to it in the next week or so. Greg and I have been looking for a bike for me. I'm very excited to start biking more. For our anniversary Greg and I are staying at a B&B and hope by then I will have my new bike so we can go biking on some trails and here's hoping and praying for some nice weather! I really hope that Greg and i get into this biking thing. It would be a nice activity for us to do on the weekends and maybe do some short road races together. Nothing else here.... just trying to keep the house clean.. which is an on going battle!!! LOL.

2009-05-05T07:08:00.002-05:00

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Warm and Sunny

2009-04-16T08:00:00.003-05:00

That is the forecast.. FINALLY!!!

Of course here I am stuck at work sitting at my cubicle and no one around me. I think a few people may have called in "sick" today. Allergies....ha!

Weeks have flown by lately. Last weekend was Easter. It was a good time. Greg and I went to my parents along with my mom's side of the family. There are only two kids so they got very spoiled by the Easter Bunny. I think they both received 4 or 5 baskets. Must be rough kiddos. Anyway, the weather was nice and the time was cherished.

My grandmother (still newly widowed) is down here from Bemidji. She's been down here for about a week now. Greg and I visited her a little bit on Tuesday. Yesterday a bunch of us went over to my aunt's house.... where WOW kid-mania! My dad's side of the family is much larger than my moms. Plus they are catholic... which sometimes (many times) means lots of kids. :) It is sure fun to see them all run around though. I do believe there were more kids than adults there. Anyway we all went over there for cake and ice cream since it was my grandma's 83rd(?) birthday. This was a big birthday for her since well it is her first without her best friend by her side. They were married 63 years! Anyway I had some good baby time. Most of the kids are in the phase of running around and screaming (2yrs-13yrs) BUT there were two infants there... both of which I held for a bit. Deor is just about to start crawling and Isabella is about 18 months.. both are cuddle bugs which is real fun. As I sat and chatted with some of my cousins I really took in what was going on. Life... well obviously. I enjoyed seeing all the kids running around, playing, while adults sat and talked about "what's new" It was a good time and I'm glad Greg and I were able to go!

Fridays....

2009-03-27T13:53:00.006-05:00

1. What is the one living organism that you are irrationally afraid of? hmmm

2. How many times in your life have you changed your mailing address with the post office? I guess it would be three times. College, back home, my home

3. What is one food that you can eat over for seven days? Salsa

4. What is one movie that you can watch over and over, no matter how many times it is on?Many...My best Friends wedding, Down with Love, The Holiday, The Emperor’s New Groove...almost any Chick Flick!

5. Which do you like better, crunchy or baked cheetos? mmm Jalapeno Crunchy Cheetos

6. Do you like tomatoes?YES! YUMMMMMMMM

7. Name one book that you love, but your friends would be surprised to hear that you love? Hmm, not sure on that one.

8. If you could own any car in the world, without price being an issue, what car would it be? Hybrid Dodge Charger.. or 1956 Impala.. hmm there are a few I would get.

9. Have you ever read the book in which the name of this game appears (Hitchhiker's Guide)? um...no

10. Name one state, besides where you currently live, where you would consider? Oregon

11. Do ice hockey rules confuse you?Not one bit... I grew up going to hockey tourneys every weekend.

12. Name one toy that your mother/father would not let you have when you were a child. Can't say that I remember. Probably my brothers toys! LOL

13. Are you afraid of heights? A little bit yes

14. What is your favorite kind of cookie dough?Chocolate chip...is there really any other kind?

15. Salty or sweet?Mostly sweet.

16. Shoe size? 10

17. How many surgeries have you had in your life?Wisdom teeth, Knee (Ossicle removed), Shoulder (SLAP Lesion with frayed RC)

18. Name one harmless word/phrase that inevitably makes you laugh. "Somebody call the ammmbuuulllaaaannncceee" it's an inside joke with my husband. This woman was really overreacting and I couldn't stop laughing at how she said that when there was no need for medical attention.

19. Do you like baked beans? Bad texture...yuck!

20. Charcoal or gas grill? Either

21. Have you ever felt that your parents played favorites? Possibly but it could just be that I was the girl and I never did anything wrong....(that they caught me doing anyway) ;-)

22. Do you like boats?Yes... especially a good old fishing boat.. nothing like it.

23. Most exotic animal you have been close to in the wild? I guess a deer...if not in the wild there would be other animals but i haven't run into any giraffe's in my backyard lately.

24. Walking or running? Jogging is my outlet... love it. A nice walk on a beautiful spring day is priceless though too.

25. How many times have you been to Disney World or Disneyland? Once... my parents saved up the money to take my brother and I. I think I was 10.

26. Ears pierced?Yes, 3 in one ear and 2 in the other

27. Most bizarre fact, (according to you) about you, that you are willing to share?

28. Smooth peanut butter or crunchy?I love crunchy!

29. Jiff or Skippy? I prefer the stuff you have to refriderate...natural/organic. Every once in awhile I like the flavor of some chunky Skippy PB!

30. Favorite breakfast cereal? Kashi or granola

31. Steak, rare/medium rare/rare? I hate steak.. I know, I know... what's wrong with me...

32. Heinz Ketchup or Hunts Catsup? Um I don't really care.

33. Generic grocery bread or brand name (like Wonder)? I don't eat a lot of bread but I really like the grainy bread...YUM!

34. Worst behaved pet you ever owned (or owned you in most cases)? I can't say that either of the two dogs that I've had were bad behaved. I know dutchess barked a lot.

35. Weirdest pet you ever owned? A hamster, I guess.

36. Which power would you choose, flight/strength/x-ray vision/invisibility? Flight... I've always wondered what it would be like to fly.

37. Have you ever been angry enough to plot revenge?Yes but never followed thru with it.

38. Which parent was the authoritarian?Dad with my brother. Mom with me. (Had dad wrapped around my finger) :)

39. Sunrise or sunset?I can't compare the two. The sunrise is such a beautiful start of the day while the sunset is a magnificent end of the day.

40. First movie you remember seeing in a theater?

41. One thing that freaks other people out, but does not bother you? Well it doesn't freak everyone out but watching surgeries.

42. Christmas, Easter or 4th of July as your favorite family get together?4th of July... there's no pressure of gifts, dressing up or hustle and bustle. 4th of july is typically just a good time. Don't get me wrong... the other two are great too!

Lent and Coffee...

2009-03-25T07:00:00.004-05:00

So even though I'm not Catholic I decided to partake in the "giving up something" for Lent. This year I have a list of three things...
1. Alcohol
2. Coffee
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now # 1 and #3 are easy but Coffee... I think I am going to die! It hasn't been bad for the most part except lately. Today especially I want to go to caribou and order a large, soy, Mint Condition, moose it, with no whip.... mmmmm. Just typing those words make my mouth water. I don't know what my deal is but one thing is for sure this tea thing is not doing it for me. I'm so tired!!!! I hate that i like coffee so much. I blame it on Mary... yep she introduced me to the delicious cup o java. As nice as it was of her it was also the cruelest thing. ;-) I guess its really my fault since I didn't care too much for it after that experience but more of when I worked the a.m. shift at the Y. Every morning I helped open at 4:45...which means i was there at 4:30...and no I'm not that much of a morning person. Anyway, that was when the addiction really hit hard and now I"m trying to get over it but stopping cold turkey was not a good idea for me. How sad do I sound?!?! lol... it's not like I had to quit smoking. So yea needless to say today is a hard day for me. I'm sleepy and the weather is chilly/rainy/windy... which would be a perfect day for a Large, soy, mocha with a shot of vanilla! :) Okay I'm done now.... *sigh*

Songs...

2009-03-19T07:33:00.008-05:00

Awhile back a friend of mine sent me some lyrics to a song. If you know me you know I like to look into lyrics and find my own meaning for them....I don't do this as much as I used to but I still enjoy trying to figure out what is trying to be said in the song. Anyway this song is simple and the music itself isn't all that extravagant. The words, as simple as they seem, are very wise.

I recently ran across this song and found myself very intrigued by the lyrics. They are straightforward and you don't have to search for the meaning. The meaning of the song is great, in my opinion anyway. It all starts out with one simple thing and then follows some various script of advice and ramblings (much like me currently....rambling). It ends with the same advice it started with. I really looked at each and every lyric searching for one piece that was greater than the rest. Trying to pick out my favorite stanza is pretty much impossible because there are too many to choose from. After reading it a few times I think this is a top favorite.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

How true and simple this is. I don't know maybe I'm just bored on a Thursday morning and am just rambling. Anyway I find it interesting how a song can touch you so greatly and how it touches others without you even knowing it. I think this song is one that many may need to listen to or even just read in the days that we live in today. Not everything is about money there is so much more out there.

Current Song : (any guesses?)

Spring has arrived & new chapters are to be opened

2009-03-16T09:00:00.004-05:00

A new season and many new chapters in my life....

This past weekend spring has poked it's head in and I think it's here to stay. Funny how everyone seemed to be in a better mood and how many people were out and about this weekend. As for me I did some major cleaning and opened up the windows...hello fresh air! It was great. Greg and I cleaned and organized much of Saturday to get ready for his bday party on Sunday. The bday thing was great and I enjoyed having people in my house once again. I haven't had the opportunity to have people over for some time so it was a nice change. My poor pup. Gabby was pooped after everyone left.

Anyway on to the new chapters... and old ones closing.
It's actually nothing that i'm announcing it's just through this winter and the past year I have learned a lot. Mostly I have learned about my self and who true friend are. Now how to put it simply.. bullets!

I've learned:

that truely there are friends that are defined by "reason, season, lifetime" and with that I typically have a very hard time releasing the reason and season friendships. It usually ends up badly and I regret that.
some people will always judge you, one up you, and not be happy for you
you cannot please everyone....it is impossible.
true friends are there for you in the most difficult times.... even when you may seem to be pushing them away they are there when you need them the most and will support you in your decisions no matter how difficult... they let you live your life.
my house cannot be dust free....ever!
that the saying when one door shuts another opens is really true and I need to stop looking at the shut door before i miss the open one.
I need to take more risks.
writing poetry is my best therapy... as well as card making or scrap booking
there really are angels that you meet everyday and some stick around for awhile and help you through some challenges.
I have failed many of God's tests that He sends my way
I really need to let go of some people that are holding me back, but it's just so hard to say goodbye.
that happiness comes from within, no one can make you happy, it's a choice. In my opinion happiness comes from being healthy, exercising, and doing the things you enjoy.
i miss my grandfather immensely and think about him every day. He was in my dream this weekend and it was nice to say hello again.
Reconnecting with old friends is a really good feeling. To find those friends and bring back the 'good ol day' memories is wonderful!
Your body is many times the best tool in healing itself and that medications are not always the way to go.
I envy a dogs forgivness, more humans need that kind of compassion.

Well anyway that's enough for now. I've learned a lot in the past year about my friends espeically. It's that letting go I have a hard time with! Now back to the work day until I get bored and decide to blog some more.

2009-03-13T07:13:00.003-05:00

Doing a long survey just for it to be 'lost' in cyberworld is pretty annoying. Oh well maybe actually blogging something is better anyway. It's been some time once again since I've written anything. Guess there isn't much going on in my life. This isn't a bad thing... no news is good news! I'm so glad today is Friday. I really just want to sleep all day Saturday which I know isn't going to happen but at least the weekend isn't filled to the brim....for now anyway. I'm hoping for a 'warm' weekend so that I can get a run or two outside. I'm so sick of working out inside but I'm a baby and don't like running in the cold. I should really get used to that since i've been living in MN my whole life!

2009-02-15T21:54:00.001-06:00

Thought of the day.... I own mostly black, pink, blue and green tops.

Weekend...

2009-02-03T07:26:00.005-06:00

This past weekend Greg and I had a nice date night. We decided to go to the movie Seven Pounds to start off the night. Not truly a feel-good movie but nonetheless it was a passionate and profound movie. Will Smith is one of my favorite actors especially since he seems to be in unique and interesting movies lately. Anyway I think I cried for most of the movie. After that we went home to change in to some nicer dinner outfits. I actually wore a dress....yikes! Anyway we had a gc to The Lexington so Greg had made reservations to go there. It was my first time there as well as Greg's. Every time we drive by there I think of my Grandma. My parents and her siblings would take Grandma there for her birthday every year. Anyway Greg got a chicken dish and I got the Mahi Mahi. Both were Delicious! We had also gotten this stuffed red pepper for an appetizer. We decided to make it a true night out and even got dessert there. We shared chocolate cake with some Baily's mousse. The Mousse was TO DIE FOR! It was amazing. I was very impressed with this restaurant. The manager came to ever single table. He even went to some tables twice. It was great! From there we decided to drive to downtown ST. Paul and look at the lights and ice sculptures. We were sadly mistaken... there was a parade going on so many of the streets were blocked off. Not a big deal. We headed home and off to relax.

So back to this movie. Just wondering if any of you that may read my blog has seen it and what did you think? I don't know if I would see it again. It's hard to say. A movie with that much emotion and heartache and guilt can really stick with you. I can't even imagine how they came up with this storyline. It has really got me thinking about if there was more to it then what is on the surface of the movie. Like, why seven? Seven is a very strong and meaningful number especially for Christians. I know he choose seven because of the victims but why did the director go with seven. Why not four or eight? I don't know. Maybe I'm over analyzing. I just think there could really be some good deep meaning to it. Seven seems to be a number of "completeness" which could be the reason for the number in the movie. Because if you've seen the movie you saw that he had chosen seven people to 'give' to and one of them didn't end up being a good person so he didn't just let that go... instead he choose another person to keep with seven people. Anyway I'm done analyzing because I should be working... Any thoughts???...